Rashid Khan Dismisses Devdutt Padikkal for Fifth Time in IPL as RCB Stumble to 126/7

Key facts

• Rashid Khan dismissed Devdutt Padikkal in the 14th over of Match 42 of IPL 2026.
• Padikkal scored 40 runs off 24 balls, including 5 fours and 2 sixes.
• RCB were reduced to 126/7 after Padikkal's dismissal.
• Rashid has now dismissed Padikkal 5 times in 8 IPL innings.
• Padikkal has scored 38 runs off 41 balls against Rashid, with a strike rate of 92.68.
• Padikkal averages 7.6 against Rashid, facing 17 dot balls.

The Decisive Dismissal

Gujarat Titans spinner Rashid Khan removed Royal Challengers Bengaluru batter Devdutt Padikkal in the 14th over of Match 42 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Thursday. Padikkal, who had looked set for a half-century, was dismissed for a 24-ball 40, leaving RCB at 126 for 7. The wicket came at a crucial juncture, derailing RCB's innings as they struggled to build momentum.

Padikkal's Promising Start Cut Short

Padikkal had been aggressive, smashing five fours and two sixes in his innings. He appeared poised to reach his fifty before Rashid breached his defense. The left-hander had been deprived of strike for a period before the dismissal, which may have disrupted his rhythm. His departure left RCB's middle order exposed, with the team unable to recover fully.

Rashid's Dominance Over Padikkal

Rashid has now dismissed Padikkal five times in eight IPL innings. The left-hander has managed only 38 runs from 41 balls against the Afghan spinner, with a strike rate of 92.68. Padikkal averages a mere 7.6 against Rashid, having faced 17 dot balls while hitting just one four and two sixes. This pattern underscores Rashid's tactical superiority in the matchup.

Match Context and Stakes

The match, the 42nd of the IPL 2026 season, saw both teams vying for crucial points in the standings. RCB's innings faltered after Padikkal's dismissal, with the team ultimately posting a modest total. Earlier, Gujarat Titans had won the toss and elected to field, a decision that paid off as their bowlers maintained pressure throughout. The contest also featured notable moments, including a catch by Jason Holder to dismiss Rajat Patidar, which sparked debate over its fairness.

Wider Implications for RCB

Padikkal's recurring struggles against Rashid highlight a vulnerability in RCB's batting lineup. The team's reliance on top-order runs has been exposed, with Padikkal's dismissal often triggering a collapse. As the tournament progresses, RCB may need to devise strategies to counter Rashid's threat, whether through rotation of strike or promoting a different batter. The outcome of this match could have significant implications for playoff qualification.

What Lies Ahead

With this dismissal, the rivalry between Rashid and Padikkal continues to tilt heavily in the bowler's favor. Future encounters between Gujarat Titans and Royal Challengers Bengaluru will likely see Rashid targeting Padikkal early. For Padikkal, overcoming this matchup will be key to his team's success. The IPL season remains wide open, with several teams still in contention for the playoffs.

The bottom line

• Rashid Khan has dismissed Devdutt Padikkal five times in eight IPL innings, with Padikkal averaging just 7.6.
• Padikkal's dismissal in the 14th over reduced RCB to 126/7, derailing their innings.
• Padikkal scored 40 off 24 balls, including five fours and two sixes, before being dismissed.
• The match was the 42nd of IPL 2026, held at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
• RCB's batting lineup remains vulnerable to Rashid's spin, a factor that could affect their playoff chances.