Patidar on RCB’s encore: ‘We didn’t just play but we dominated’

A Birthday Celebration to Remember

In the early hours of Monday, shortly after 1am in Ahmedabad, Rajat Patidar stepped into the press conference room with a broad, genuine smile. Beside him sat the IPL trophy, a prize he had now secured twice in as many years. For a cricketer who typically maintains a stoic demeanor, the physical act of touching the silverware served as the perfect testament to his immense satisfaction as the captain of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB).

This achievement was made even more poignant by the calendar. It was his 33rd birthday, and for the skipper, the trophy represented the ultimate gift. Patidar on RCB’s encore: ‘We didn’t just play but we dominated’, he declared, reflecting on the team’s relentless pursuit of excellence throughout the 2026 season. He noted, ‘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.’

A Shift in Dominance

When asked to contrast this year’s journey with the previous season’s triumph, Patidar highlighted a distinct shift in the team’s aura. While the first title was achieved under significant pressure, the 2026 campaign felt almost inevitable. The team moved through the group stages with a clinical efficiency that left little room for doubt.

‘Last year was a lot of pressure,’ Patidar admitted. ‘This year, I was more calm. The way we played through the tournament, we didn’t just play but we dominated. I was confident if we played like this, we could win the second title for RCB. As a captain, I’m not very expressive, but at the same time, I’m aware of game situations. Of course, you need backing, and there was a lot of it from the management and players.’

Individual Growth and Mentorship

Patidar’s personal contribution was significant, as he accumulated 501 runs at a strike rate of 192.69—his best returns since his debut in 2021. Much of this success stems from his decision to work closely with Dinesh Karthik during the off-season. ‘I took a lot of learnings as captain and batter,’ he explained. ‘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 technical adjustments.’

His leadership style has also evolved through observation. Patidar credited Faf du Plessis for teaching him the importance of confident body language and self-presentation on the field, elements he has consciously integrated into his own captaincy.

The Unsung Heroes Behind the Scenes

Beyond the headline-grabbing performances, Patidar was quick to shift credit toward the coaching staff, specifically bowling coach Omkar Salvi. While Salvi often flies under the radar, his influence on young prospects like Rasikh Salam—who claimed 19 wickets this season—has been instrumental. ‘I’ve seen Omkar Salvi sir from my first Ranji season in 2015,’ Patidar noted. ‘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.’

Head coach Andy Flower also received high praise for transforming the team’s culture. Patidar noted that the current environment is one of equality and inclusivity, where every squad member, including those on the fringes, receives dedicated attention. ‘The culture has changed. From when I’ve come in, there have been a lot of changes in the mindset of players. The coaching staff treats every player equally—that’s a big change.’

A Moment of Remembrance

Despite the euphoria, the mood turned somber when the conversation shifted to the tragic events following last year’s title, where 11 fans lost their lives in a stampede. In a poignant moment of reflection, Patidar paused to honor those who could not be present for this year’s glory. ‘You feel bad obviously; you lost your fans after winning the game… not fans, family members,’ he said. ‘I want to dedicate this trophy to them. No words to express.’ It was a quiet, sincere acknowledgment that grounded the triumph in a reality far greater than cricket itself.