Despite being knocked out of the tournament, Sunrisers Hyderabad convincingly defeated playoff-qualified Royal Challengers Bengaluru in a dominant performance. Led by Pat Cummins, Hyderabad batted first and posted a massive total of 231 for 6. In response, the Virat Kohli–Rajat Patidar-led RCB were bowled out for 189.
Following the match, both team captains were fined by the IPL authorities for the same offense — failing to complete their overs within the stipulated time. However, the penalties were not equal. RCB’s acting captain Rajat Patidar was fined more heavily than Hyderabad’s Pat Cummins, despite both committing the same violation.
Patidar’s higher fine — INR 20 lakh — was due to this being his second slow over rate offense this season. In contrast, Cummins, committing his first such offense of the season, was fined INR 12 lakh. Additionally, two of RCB’s Impact Players, Patidar and Suyash Sharma, were each fined INR 6 lakh.
Despite the fine, Cummins had the consolation of ending the season on a winning note. Hyderabad now have 11 points from 13 matches with one game remaining. On the other hand, RCB sit third on the points table with 17 points from the same number of matches.
In the game, regular RCB skipper Patidar came in as an Impact Player, so Jitesh Sharma initially took over captaincy. However, since Patidar was the officially registered captain, he bore the responsibility for the slow over rate. A similar case occurred earlier in the season with Rajasthan Royals’ Sanju Samson, who was also fined INR 24 lakh for slow over rate, even though Riyan Parag captained the match while Samson played as an Impact Player.
Under IPL’s 2024 rules, a third slow over rate offense would bring even harsher penalties for Patidar. Previously, that could lead to a one-match ban, as seen when Mumbai Indians’ Hardik Pandya missed their opening game due to a similar offense. However, the revised regulations now only assign demerit points instead of suspensions.
UA / TDS
