India’s senior men’s team clinched the silver medal at the CASA Rugby 7s 2026 in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, kicking off the international season positively for Rugby India. Meanwhile, the senior women’s team secured the fourth position in the tournament.
In a remarkable performance at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium, RCB scored a massive 222/4 and successfully defended it against Punjab Kings, limiting them to 199/8 despite a late resurgence from Shashank Singh and Marcus Stoinis.
Jitesh, leading in place of regular captain Rajat Patidar, expressed confidence in the team’s control over the game, attributing it to their understanding of the pitch conditions after batting first. The team’s strategic planning against Punjab Kings’ key batsmen, based on insights from the first innings, contributed significantly to their victory.
RCB’s batting prowess, led by Virat Kohli’s 58, Devdutt Padikkal’s quick 45, and an unbeaten 73 by Venkatesh Iyer, laid a solid foundation for their imposing total. The team’s effective execution of plans tailored to counter Punjab Kings’ batters highlighted their tactical acumen and adaptability on the field.
Jitesh acknowledged the support of experienced players in the RCB squad during his captaincy stint, emphasizing the learning opportunities it provided. He confirmed Rajat Patidar’s return as captain for the upcoming matches, underscoring RCB’s focus on a game-by-game approach despite securing a playoff spot.
Punjab Kings faced an early setback in their chase, losing key wickets to Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Rasikh Salam Dar, which left them reeling at 3/3 in the initial overs. Despite spirited efforts from Shashank Singh and Marcus Stoinis, RCB’s bowlers maintained composure in the crucial moments to secure the win.
