Rajat Patidar equals Adam Gilchrist’s 17-year-old record with a blazing knock
Rajat Patidar etched his name in IPL history, smashing a blistering 53 off 20 balls against Mumbai Indians. His half-century in just 17 deliveries equalled Adam Gilchrist's 2009 record for the fastest captain's fifty. Patidar's aggressive knock, featuring multiple sixes, was a highlight of RCB's dominant 240/4, showcasing his captaincy prowess.
NEW DELHI: Royal Challengers Bengaluru skipper Rajat Patidar produced a breathtaking assault at the Wankhede Stadium, scripting history by equalling a long-standing Indian Premier League record during a high-octane clash against Mumbai Indians on Sunday. Patidar smashed a stunning 53 off just 20 balls, reaching his half-century in just 17 deliveries — matching the record set by Adam Gilchrist back in 2009 for the fastest fifty by a captain in IPL history. The Deccan Chargers legend had achieved the feat against Delhi in Centurion, and 17 years later, Patidar joined him at the top in emphatic fashion.
Record-equalling blitz stuns MI Walking in during the middle overs, Patidar wasted no time in shifting gears. He announced his arrival with a hat-trick of sixes off Mayank Markande and continued his onslaught against Shardul Thakur, turning the tide firmly in RCB’s favour. In a matter of overs, Patidar raced to 34 off just nine balls, dismantling both spin and pace with ease.
He brought up his fifty with four boundaries and five towering sixes, equalling Gilchrist’s iconic record before eventually falling to Mitchell Santner. The knock not only matched a historic benchmark but also placed Patidar among elite company in IPL history, underlining his evolution into one of the most destructive leaders in the format. Fastest fifties by a captain in IPL history Captain Team Balls Against Venue Date Adam Gilchrist HDC 17 DC Centurion May 22, 2009 Rajat Patidar RCB 17 MI Mumbai (WS) April 12, 2026 Faf du Plessis RCB 18 GT Bengaluru May 4, 2024 Records fall amid RCB carnage Patidar’s fireworks came in the backdrop of a dominant batting display.
Virat Kohli (50) and Phil Salt (78) had already laid a solid platform with a 120-run opening stand, setting the tone for the carnage that followed. RCB eventually posted a mammoth 240/4, with Tim David adding the finishing touches with an unbeaten cameo. Patidar’s 17-ball fifty also places him among the fastest ever for RCB, just behind the 14-ball effort by Romario Shepherd in 2025, and level with Chris Gayle’s iconic knock in 2013.