RCB Captain Rajat Patidar Fined for Slow Over-Rate Despite Win Against MI
Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) captain Rajat Patidar has been fined INR 12 lakh for maintaining a slow over-rate during their recent victory against Mumbai Indians (MI) at Wankhede Stadium. This marks RCB’s first such offense in the IPL 2025 season. While Patidar’s aggressive leadership and batting prowess have been instrumental in RCB’s campaign, this fine underscores the need for improved over-rate management.
Patidar, currently RCB’s second-highest run-scorer with 161 runs from four innings, trailing only Virat Kohli’s 164 runs, has impressed with his captaincy decisions. His tactical acumen has garnered praise from experts and former players alike. Former cricketer Ambati Rayudu, speaking on ESPNcricinfo’s TimeOut show, lauded Patidar’s strategic move to reintroduce veteran pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar at a crucial point in MI’s chase, describing it as “a brilliant move.” This tactical decision proved effective in disrupting MI’s momentum and contributed significantly to RCB’s victory.
RCB’s batting coach, Sanjay Bangar, also highlighted Patidar’s astute captaincy, particularly the decision to hold back Krunal Pandya for the final over. Bangar explained the rationale behind this move, stating, “You don’t want him bowling the 19th over with Josh Hazlewood having only 10 or 12 runs to defend.” This strategic deployment of bowlers showcases Patidar’s understanding of game situations and his ability to adapt to changing circumstances.
Rayudu further observed Patidar’s composure under pressure, noting that Virat Kohli, usually a vocal presence on the field, refrained from offering advice to the young captain during tense moments. This observation underscores Patidar’s growing confidence and maturity in handling high-pressure situations. The win against MI demonstrated not only Patidar’s tactical prowess but also his ability to lead the team effectively in a challenging environment.
Despite the positive aspects of Patidar’s captaincy and RCB’s performance, the slow over-rate issue needs to be addressed. Maintaining a prescribed over-rate is crucial for the smooth flow of the game and avoiding penalties. While RCB currently holds a 50% win record in IPL 2025, with three victories out of six matches, they will need to focus on improving their over-rate efficiency to avoid future sanctions. Their upcoming match against Delhi Capitals (DC) in Bengaluru on Thursday evening will provide an opportunity to showcase their improved performance in this area.
The issue of slow over-rates has been prevalent in IPL 2025, with several other captains, including Hardik Pandya (MI), Riyan Parag (Rajasthan Royals), and Rishabh Pant (Lucknow Super Giants), facing fines for similar offences. This highlights the league’s emphasis on maintaining the pace of play and ensuring a fair and engaging experience for both players and spectators. As RCB progresses in the tournament, Patidar’s leadership will be under scrutiny, with expectations high for him to address the over-rate issue while maintaining the team’s winning momentum.
