Kuldeep and Axar Stand Between Patidar and RCB Dominance

Royal Challengers Bengaluru take on Delhi Capitals in a mid-season clash where both sides are jostling for playoff positioning. Beyond the team result, one matchup is shaping the tactical build-up: Rajat Patidar against DC’s left-arm spin duo of Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel. He's got a new look this year with long flowing hair like the hero from Dhurandhar. For most people, that'd be enough. You wake up. You brush your teeth. You look in the mirror. You squint your eyes. And you pass for Ranveer Singh. Patidar wants to be that and play cricket on a level that's rarely been seen before. This is the IPL at its peak — domestic gun at his absolute best vs two international, world-champion spinners in their primary skillset. No hiding, no favourable matchups. If Kuldeep dips one on leg stump, Patidar’s backing himself to sweep it 85m. If Axar fires it in, Patidar’s stepping out.Most batters survive 6-16. Patidar’s winning games there. DC will bowl their best 4 overs of spin to him. If he’s still standing with a 200+ SR after that, RCB probably take the game. If Kuldeep/Axar crack the code, DC own the middle. The receipts: 93_ last year in Bengaluru, post-match “this is my turf” mic drop. Career vs RCB: Avg 71.1, SR 144. That’s not good, that’s ownership. He’s from Karnataka, grew up on that ground, and bats like he’s still in nets there. The problem: Since IPL 2025, legspin has him on a string — 2 dismissals in 9 innings, SR of 101. That’s not getting out trying to slog. That’s getting tied up, prodding, and nicking off. No intent, no flow. The bigger red flag: 75% of his dismissals this year come inside 10 balls. If he’s not set, he’s vulnerable. Set Rahul wins you games. New-crease Rahul gives you a wicket. With RCB's top four doing so well, Jitesh Sharma has hardly had a hit. The wicketkeeper batter has faced only 27 balls this season. He's one of the most outspoken cricketers out there which means there's always a spotlight on him. He is also the team's failsafe, ensuring a later point of entry for Tim David and Romario Shepherd so that they can just come in and go bang. The previous game in Bengaluru, on the back of several hot days in the city, was a low-scoring affair with the ball holding up on a worn and dry pitch. Normally, it's runs, runs and more runs there.