IPL 2026: RCB seek Raipur reset against MI
Royal Challengers Bengaluru enter a crucial IPL clash against Mumbai Indians under pressure after losing three of their last four matches. Jitesh Sharma’s poor form has become a major concern, with the finisher scoring just 64 runs in 10 matches. Injuries and inconsistent batting have hurt RCB’s momentum, while MI, led by Suryakumar Yadav in Hardik Pandya’s absence, face a must-win situation.
RAIPUR: After a strong start to their title defence, Royal Challengers Bengaluru have hit turbulence at a delicate stage of the IPL. Four wins from their first five matches had put them in control. Three defeats in their next games have now raised questions about their momentum as the playoff race tightens.
With four league games left, Rajat Patidar’s team will look to tidy up quickly when they take on Mumbai Indians at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium on Sunday night. RCB remain well placed but recent performances have exposed familiar cracks. The bowling has blown hot and cold.
The bigger concern is Jitesh Sharma’s slide. The 32-year-old was one of the vital cogs in RCB’s title-winning run last season, bringing composure and violence to the finisher’s role. This year, that assurance has deserted him.
Across 10 matches and eight innings, Jitesh has managed only 64 runs at an average of eight, with 23 being his highest score. The contrast with 2025 — 261 runs at 37. 2 and a strike rate of 176.