RCB beat Mumbai Indians by 18 runs

The second match of Sunday’s double-header in IPL 2026 was played between the Mumbai Indians (MI) and the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). Mumbai won the toss and elected to bowl first. Batting first, RCB posted a massive total. For RCB, Virat Kohli, Phil Salt, and captain Rajat Patidar all played half-century innings. These three batsmen displayed magnificent form today. In this clash, RCB defeated the Mumbai Indians by 18 runs, securing two points in the points table.

For RCB, opening batters Phil Salt and Virat Kohli forged a century partnership, combining for a stand of 120 runs. Captain Rajat Patidar also put on a display of explosive batting, scoring an unbeaten 53 runs off 20 balls. Additionally, Tim David contributed 34 runs off 16 balls. Consequently, RCB posted a total of 240/4 in their allotted 20 overs.

Chasing a massive target of 241 runs, Mumbai Indians got off to a modest start. Ryan Rickelton played an innings of 37 runs off 22 balls, while Rohit Sharma retired out after scoring 19 runs off 13 deliveries. Tilak Varma failed to make a significant impact; he scored just 1 run off 3 balls before departing. Additionally, Suryakumar Yadav scored 33 runs off 22 balls, while Hardik Pandya contributed 40 runs off 22 deliveries. Mumbai Indians could only manage to score 222/5 in their allotted 20 overs.

Gujarat Titans beat LSG by 7 wickets

On Sunday, Gujarat Titans (GT) defeated Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) by seven wickets in IPL 2026. Powered by half-centuries from Shubman Gill and Jos Buttler, Gujarat Titans dominated Lucknow Super Giants from the start. Batting first, Lucknow posted a total of 164 runs for the loss of eight wickets in 20 overs. In reply, Gujarat successfully chased down the target, scoring 165 runs for the loss of three wickets in 18.4 overs to seal the match.

For Gujarat, Jos Buttler scored 60 runs and Gill contributed 56 runs. These two batsmen laid the foundation for the victory by adding 84 runs for the second wicket. This marks Gujarat’s second victory in the 2026 IPL season. Lucknow had won their previous two matches but suffered a defeat on their home ground. For Lucknow, Mohammed Shami, Prince Yadav, and Digvesh Rathi claimed one wicket each.

Matheesha Pathirana set to join KKR after receiving NOC from SLC

There’s finally some relief for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), who are struggling to win in IPL 2026. Sri Lankan fast bowler Mathisha Pathirana, one of the team’s most expensive players, is now ready to join the team, which could provide a major boost to KKR’s bowling. Sri Lanka Cricket has given Pathirana a No-Objection Certificate (NOC) after passing the fitness test. He will arrive in India on April 17 and join the team. However, he will not play directly in that match, but will be available for selection from the match against Rajasthan Royals on April 19.

Kolkata Knight Riders’ performance has been extremely disappointing so far this season. The team hasn’t won a single match in four matches and is at the bottom of the points table. KKR’s bowling has emerged as their biggest weakness. The team failed to defend a massive 220-run total in the first match and suffered consecutive defeats thereafter. Pathirana’s return could prove to be a game-changer for the team. Pathirana suffered a calf injury during this year’s T20 World Cup, which prevented him from playing in the opening matches of IPL 2026. However, he has now passed the fitness test and is fully prepared to return.

Kieron Pollard not a fan of IPL’s Impact Player Rule

The ‘Impact Player Rule’ in the Indian Premier League is often criticized, with many experts believing it goes against the basic rules of cricket. The ‘Impact Player Rule,’ which was implemented in 2023, allows teams to replace a player from the starting XI with one of their five reserve players. Previously, both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have expressed their displeasure with this rule. ow Kieron Pollard has also criticized it.

Mumbai Indians batting coach Kieron Pollard said bluntly, “If you ask me personally whether I like it or not, I can say it straight away: I’m not a fan of it. As for getting rid of it, that’s not my cup of tea. But as I said, it has definitely increased scores in T20 cricket. Has it had a similar effect in international cricket? I haven’t really paid much attention to it, because it’s a different dynamic – even if you lose a few wickets in a league game, you still have a chance to recover.”

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