IPL 2026: RCB seek Raipur reset against MI
TL;DR
Royal Challengers Bengaluru face challenges after three consecutive losses in IPL 2026, raising concerns about their playoff momentum. They aim to reset against Mumbai Indians with four league games remaining.
Key points
- RCB has four wins and three losses in IPL 2026.
- Jitesh Sharma has only 64 runs in eight innings this season.
- RCB will face Mumbai Indians in their next match.
Mentioned in this story
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 176.4 — is stark.
His failures under pressure have brought scrutiny on the game awareness that once made him such a trusted lateovers option. More worryingly for RCB, fast bowlers have found a clear route through him. Jitesh has fallen to pace seven times in eight innings while scoring just 28 runs. Even his old remark — “I always pray to God for the top order to collapse so I can bat and score” — has resurfaced awkwardly amid his poor run.
It is not Jitesh alone. RCB’s batting has looked uncertain in recent outings, particularly in defeats to Gujarat Titans and Lucknow Super Giants. Phil Salt’s finger injury has disturbed the top order and Jacob Bethell, used in his place, has not yet settled despite flashes of promise. That has increased the load on Virat Kohli, Devdutt Padikkal and skipper Patidar.
Mumbai, ninth with six points from 10 matches, are still mathematically alive but have little room left.
Hardik Pandya will miss the game because of a back spasm, with Suryakumar Yadav set to lead again after rejoining the squad.
Q&A
What is RCB's current performance in IPL 2026?
RCB started strong with four wins but has lost three consecutive matches, putting their playoff hopes in jeopardy.
How has Jitesh Sharma performed in IPL 2026 compared to last season?
Jitesh Sharma has struggled significantly this season, scoring only 64 runs in eight innings, a stark contrast to his 261 runs in the previous season.
When does RCB play against Mumbai Indians in IPL 2026?
RCB is set to play against Mumbai Indians on Sunday night at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium.