Rajat Patidar on RCB’s encore: ‘We didn’t just play but we dominated’ to Second IPL Title
When Rajat Patidar entered the press conference room in Ahmedabad, shortly after 1 AM on Monday, the IPL trophy by his side, a broad smile illuminated his face. For a sportsman known for his composed demeanor, this expression was as telling as any words. The occasional glance and gentle touch of the trophy next to him perfectly encapsulated the profound satisfaction of a captain who had just steered Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) to an extraordinary second consecutive title.
The timing of this triumph added an even sweeter note to the celebration: it was Patidar’s 33rd birthday. “I’m feeling great… it’s a great feeling. It’s my birthday. There can’t be a better gift than this,” he shared, his voice brimming with joy. He further elaborated on his philosophy, stating, “The individual that I am, I always focus on living in the present. We have won back-to-back, we’ll celebrate but the focus will be how we can now do this three in a row. It can’t get better than this. When you win trophies, you don’t look at individual performances. Nothing is bigger than this.” This forward-thinking mindset underscores the ambition driving RCB’s continued success.
The Evolution of a Champion: From Pressure to Dominance
When asked to compare the two journeys to the title, Patidar articulated a clear distinction, emphasizing that the 2026 victory carried a strong stamp of inevitability due to RCB’s sheer dominance through the group stages. “Last year was a lot of pressure,” he recalled, reflecting on the arduous path to their inaugural title. “[This year] I was more calm. The way we played through the tournament, we didn’t just play but we dominated.” This assertion encapsulates the team’s commanding performance and unwavering confidence. He added, “I was confident if we played like this, we could win the second title for RCB.”
Patidar, though not overtly expressive as a captain, revealed his acute awareness of game situations, a crucial attribute for leading a championship side. He highlighted the vital support from the team management and players, acknowledging that such backing is indispensable for any leader. This synergy within the squad was a cornerstone of their consistent performance.
Mastering the Dual Role: Batting and Captaincy
One of the significant challenges Patidar meticulously addressed was compartmentalizing his demanding roles as both a prolific batsman and the team captain. His dedication to refining his batting skills during the off-season, in collaboration with veteran cricketer Dinesh Karthik, proved immensely fruitful. This focused preparation handsomely paid off, culminating in Patidar’s best returns in a single season since his IPL debut in 2021, where he amassed an impressive 501 runs at an astonishing strike rate of 192.69.
Detailing his preparations, he explained, “I took a lot of learnings as captain and batter. I look at how much time I give myself to bat, I spent a lot of time at the nets before the season…just me and the bowlers. There was a lot of communication with DK bhai, regarding my trigger movements and some technical adjustments.” He continued, “When I came to the IPL, I continued that and was able to execute. That gave a lot of clarity to me as a batter.” Furthermore, Patidar credited former captain Faf du Plessis for imparting invaluable lessons in leadership, noting, “As captain, I learnt a lot of Faf du Plessis, how he presents himself, how his body language is always confident. That has taught me a lot.”
The Unsung Heroes: Coaching Staff’s Impact
Patidar also expressed profound appreciation for Omkar Salvi, the team’s bowling coach. Despite a star-studded coaching panel, Salvi’s contributions have often flown under the radar. However, Patidar underscored his pivotal influence, particularly on the younger contingent of players. He highlighted the exceptional season enjoyed by Rasikh Salam, who claimed 19 wickets – the second-best for the team – a testament to Salvi’s dedicated one-on-one coaching approach. “I’ve seen Omkar Salvi sir from my first Ranji season [in 2015],” Patidar stated. “He spends a lot of time one-on-one with every bowler. There is a lot of hard work that Salvi sir has done for the team. You won’t see him in the meeting room, he spends time one-on-one with the bowlers.” This personalized attention fosters individual growth and confidence.
Equally praised was Andy Flower, the head coach, who is known for deflecting attention from himself to celebrate his players. Patidar lauded Flower’s leadership, declaring, “I’ve played five seasons of the IPL and he is one of the best coaches. The way he handles players, not only those who play. For him the players who aren’t playing, the first-timers, he spends a lot of time with every individual. I don’t have words to express, but he’s the best coach I’ve played under.”
A Transformed Team Culture
Patidar emphasized the significant shift in the team’s culture under the current coaching regime. “The [team] culture has changed. I don’t know what it was before 2021. But from when I’ve come in, there have been a lot of changes in the mindset of players. All credit to the coaching staff, the way they’ve been handling the players. Especially the new players who are also an important part of the team. The coaching staff treats every player equally – that’s a big change.” This inclusive and supportive environment has clearly been a catalyst for RCB’s sustained success.
A Poignant Dedication: Remembering the Fans
The interaction took a somber yet heartfelt turn when Patidar reflected on the tragic stampede that claimed the lives of 11 fans outside the Chinnaswamy Stadium during celebrations following RCB’s first title victory the previous year. Amidst the joyous discussion of trophies, title defenses, and the pursuit of a third championship, Patidar paused to remember those who were no longer there to celebrate. “You feel bad obviously, you lost your fans after winning the game…not fans, family members, so I want to dedicate this trophy to them. No words to express.” This poignant dedication underscored the deep connection between the team and its supporters, acknowledging the human cost that can sometimes accompany moments of immense collective joy.
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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