Rajat Patidar on Virat Kohli, Leadership & IPL 2026 Success | RCB Captain Speaks
Rajat Patidar Reveals Virat Kohli as His Idol Amid IPL 2026 Leadership Journey
As Royal Challengers Bengaluru continue their dominant run in IPL 2026, captain Rajat Patidar is emerging not just as a key performer with the bat, but as a thoughtful leader shaping his own identity at the helm. Fresh off guiding RCB to the playoffs as the first qualifying team, Patidar has opened up about the players and mentors who have influenced his journey—none more so than former RCB skipper and Indian cricket icon, Virat Kohli.
“He’s My Idol”: Patidar on Virat Kohli’s Impact
Despite now wearing the same captain’s cap, Patidar remains unequivocal about where his respect lies. Speaking ahead of RCB’s crucial clash against SRH on May 22, he made a heartfelt confession: Virat Kohli is, and always will be, his biggest idol in cricket.
“I like his energy. There is nothing I don’t like. He’s my idol,” Patidar told Sportstar, underscoring the deep admiration he holds for Kohli’s on-field intensity and competitive fire. Though Kohli is no longer at the RCB helm, his presence and legacy continue to influence the team’s culture—and Patidar is unapologetically inspired.
Leadership Lessons from Legends
While leading one of the most storied franchises in the IPL—a side once captained by legends like Rahul Dravid, Anil Kumble, and Kohli himself—Patidar has chosen not to emulate any single predecessor. Instead, he’s focused on carving a unique leadership path.
That said, he credits former RCB captain Faf du Plessis for shaping a crucial aspect of his captaincy: the way he valued every player.
“It was crucial not to copy any of the predecessors. But there was one thing I was very influenced by from du Plessis: how he spoke to and gave importance to each player. He was confident; his body language conveyed authority on the ground,” Patidar shared.
Chandrakant Pandit’s Tactical Mentorship
Another major figure in Patidar’s development as a leader is Chandrakant Pandit, the former Madhya Pradesh and current KKR head coach. Known for his meticulous preparation and tactical discipline, Pandit left a lasting impression on Patidar during their time together.
“Chandu sir taught me how meticulously you can prepare for a cricket game and how deeply you can study it. He has played for 20 years and then coached for another 20. His tactical strength was eye-opening for me,” Patidar said, highlighting how Pandit’s approach elevated his understanding of the game beyond just batting and field placements.
Facing the Toughest Bowlers in T20 Cricket
As a top-order batter thriving in IPL 2026—with 337 runs at a strike rate of nearly 193—Patidar has faced some of the most feared bowlers in the world. When asked who gives him the most trouble, he didn’t hesitate.
Jasprit Bumrah and Sunil Narine topped his list.
The Indian pace spearhead’s unrelenting yorkers and pinpoint accuracy, combined with Narine’s deceptive variations and mastery of the mystery spin, make them the ultimate challenges for any batter. Patidar’s acknowledgment is not just personal—it’s a testament to the skill levels present in the league.
RCB’s Quest for Back-to-Back Titles
Under Patidar’s captaincy, RCB secured their maiden IPL title last season. Now, they’re aiming for a historic repeat. Their qualification as the first playoff team in IPL 2026 speaks volumes about the team’s consistency and Patidar’s calm, calculated leadership.
With a balanced mix of personal humility, strategic growth, and unwavering respect for the game’s greats, Patidar is proving that leadership isn’t about imitation—it’s about evolution.
As the business end of the tournament approaches, all eyes will be on whether RCB, and their grounded yet driven captain, can do the unthinkable: lift the trophy twice in a row.
Rohan Kapoor is a cricket editor and sports content analyst based in New Delhi with over 6 years of experience covering IPL, T20 leagues, and international cricket. He specializes in match analysis, player statistics, and tactical breakdowns, bringing data-driven insights to modern cricket audiences across India.
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