News India Live, Digital Desk: Before their first match of IPL 2026, the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) team seems to be in full rhythm. In an internal practice match played at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, RCB batsmen hit fours and sixes. In particular, newly joined Jitesh Sharma and the reliable Rajat Patidar made the bowlers sweat with their power-hitting. The biggest relief for the fans was that King Virat Kohli also looked in great touch and hit classic shots all around the field. Scorecard: Patidar and Jitesh’s ‘fireworks’ practice. During the match, the team was divided into two parts, where the batsmen were given freedom to play freely:

Rajat Patidar: Patidar continued his form and scored a blazing inning of 68 runs in just 32 balls. Played. His innings included 5 sixes and 4 fours. Jitesh Sharma: Jitesh Sharma, who came to RCB from Punjab Kings, played the role of finisher very well. He adopted an aggressive approach in the last overs and scored 42 runs in 18 balls. Virat Kohli: Kohli started the innings and, playing with restraint, scored 38 runs in 24 balls. He hit 3 brilliant cover drives and a trademark flick shot in his innings. Kohli retired hurt and returned to give a chance to other batsmen. Yash Dayal and Lockie Ferguson shone in bowling. Amidst the dominance of the batsmen, the bowlers also tried to leave their mark. Yash Dayal troubled the batsmen with his initial swing and took 2 wickets for 21 runs in 3 overs. At the same time, Lockie Ferguson, famous for his speed, bowled accurate yorkers in the death overs and bowled economically.

The head coach and mentor of the team have expressed satisfaction over the performance of the players. ‘New’ RCB will be seen in Chinnaswamy? RCB’s first match is against Rajasthan Royals and the performance of this practice match has made the picture of the playing-XI clear to a great extent. The arrival of Jitesh Sharma has strengthened the middle order, while Patidar being in form is a plus point for the team. Virat Kohli’s form is indicating that this time he is again going to be at the forefront in the race for ‘Orange Cap’. RCB fans are desperate to see their team lift the trophy once again with the slogan ‘Ee Sala Cup Namde’.