New Delhi: Delhi Capitals endured a dramatic top-order collapse that stunned even Royal Challengers Bengaluru captain Rajat Patidar during their IPL 2026 encounter at the Arun Jaitley Stadium.
The home side crumbled to a record-low 13 for 6 within the Powerplay, marking the lowest total ever recorded in the first six overs of an IPL innings.
The damage was inflicted early, with Josh Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar Kumar delivering a relentless spell of pace and swing. The collapse began almost instantly when debutant Sahil Parakh was dismissed off just the second ball. From there, wickets fell rapidly, leaving Delhi’s top six contributing a mere seven runs collectively.
Despite the early setback, Abhishek Porel scored 30 and David Miller added 19 to help the side recover slightly and avoid registering one of the lowest totals in league history.
Patidar admitted that even he was taken aback by the scale of the collapse, crediting his bowlers for executing their plans to perfection. He highlighted the effectiveness of their line, length, and early swing, which proved decisive in dismantling Delhi’s batting lineup.
Following their dominant Powerplay performance, Bengaluru adhered to a pre-planned strategy by rotating their strike bowlers out of the attack, having already secured a commanding position. The captain noted that the decision was based on reading pitch conditions and managing resources efficiently.
Patidar also expressed confidence in his team’s current form, emphasizing the importance of collective contributions. He pointed out that multiple players stepping up in different matches has strengthened the squad’s balance and consistency.
Traditionally known for their batting strength, Bengaluru now appear to have built a well-rounded unit with a potent bowling attack. Patidar underlined the importance of a strong bowling lineup in T20 cricket, especially on batting-friendly surfaces, stating that disciplined bowling remains key to winning championships.