Srinagar, May 27: Jammu & Kashmir speedster Rasikh Salam Dar delivered another impactful performance in the ongoing IPL season, producing a decisive spell for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in their high-stakes Qualifier 1 clash against Gujarat Titans (GT).
The right-arm pacer played a crucial role in RCB’s commanding 92-run victory over Gujarat Titans, returning figures of 2/24 and bowling a remarkable double-wicket maiden during GT’s chase.
Rasikh struck immediately after being introduced into the attack, dismissing Nishant Sindhu with a sharp return catch off his own bowling. He then removed Jason Holder for a duck just three deliveries later, using a well-directed short ball that forced a mistimed pull shot, leaving Gujarat reeling further in their chase.
The 26-year-old pacer from Jammu & Kashmir’s Ashmuji area thus registered a rare double-wicket maiden over, tightening RCB’s grip on the contest and earning praise for his control, variations and composure under playoff pressure.
Chasing a mammoth 256-run target, Gujarat Titans collapsed under sustained bowling pressure and were bowled out for 162 in 19.3 overs, as RCB stormed into the IPL 2026 final. Captain Rajat Patidar starred with an explosive unbeaten 93, while the bowling unit, including Rasikh Dar and Jacob Duffy, dismantled GT’s batting line-up.
Rasikh, who represents Royal Challengers Bengaluru this season, has quietly emerged as a valuable pace option for the franchise. His latest outing against Gujarat added to an increasingly impressive IPL 2026 campaign, where he has continued to deliver breakthroughs in crucial moments.
Notably, in RCB’s recent clash against Sunrisers Hyderabad, Rasikh grabbed headlines after cleaning up Australian star Travis Head with a fiery yorker that sent the opener’s stumps cartwheeling, capping off a spirited spell from the J&K pacer. The dismissal triggered an animated celebration from Rasikh and drew a strong reaction from RCB stalwart Virat Kohli, becoming one of the talking points of the match.
The SRH encounter later generated wider attention amid a separate on-field controversy involving Kohli and Head, including a heated exchange and a much-discussed post-match handshake incident that sparked debate across the cricketing world.
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