RCB VS GT: Rajat Patidar Looks To Enjoy The Occasion With RCB.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) captain Rajat Patidar isn’t thinking of Sunday’s IPL 2026 final as possibly being legacy defining. Neither is he stressed about T20I selection or India captaincy. He simply wants to enjoy the occasion Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have worked doubly hard for.

Rajat Patidar’s initial thoughts ahead of the final. 

Speaking prior to RCB’s training session, Rajat Patidar said, “I’ve never thought about what other captains have done before or whether I want to compete with someone. As an individual, my journey has had its ups and downs, but I’ve never focused on that captaincy legacy.”

Rajat Patidar further added, “Wherever I am, I focus on what I can do best in that moment. I’ve never thought too much about moving forward or looking back. Right now, we’re focused on giving our best in the final.” 

Rajat Patidar stressed on the learnings he continues to take away from each game as captain, even though there hasn’t been any pressure to prove a point having won a title in 2025, his very first season in charge.

He stressed on, “It’s a great opportunity for me to learn from so many experienced players. At the same time, I’ve never tried to change myself. It’s important to be yourself. Just because I’m captain doesn’t mean I need to become someone different. The management has played a big role. They’ve never forced me to be anyone else.” 

He further added, “They know what kind of person I am. The senior players also understand that. I’ve had good backing from both the management and the senior players, so I’ve never really faced any problems. I’m just staying in my zone and that’s helping me.” 

Rajat Patidar’s thoughts on possible India call-up. 

Rajat Patidar downplayed his role and the possibility of an India call-up for Ireland and England, he was still asked about it point-blank. His response was equally straightforward.

Rajat Patidar said, “I haven’t visualised myself as India’s T20 captain. But every captain wants to win trophies. We won one last year, but this is a new season. You can’t keep talking about what happened in 2025. You have to stay in the present and focus on what you can do now to win another title.” 

Rajat Patidar’s thoughts on dealing with pressure and how it changed the outlook. 

Last year, RCB came into the final expecting the unknown. There was a real sense of excitement and anticipation within the group. The experience of dealing with pressures has changed their outlook.

Rajat Patidar said, “To be honest, I don’t think we’ve changed much. The mindset is the same. We’re not thinking like defending champions. We don’t see it as defending something we won in 2025. It’s a new season and a new opportunity. Our mindset is that we’re here to win another title.” 

One of the things he has consciously focused on doing through the long season is helping the younger players within the group gain confidence, and empower them to be independent in their thinking. Patidar touched upon the importance of doing this, having experienced being star-struck as a younger and upcoming player when he broke through for the first time in 2021.

Rajat Patidar said, “I always try to spend time with them. I tell them it’s important to be yourself and trust your strengths. I’ve been in that situation myself. In 2021, I was looking at all the senior players and there was natural some anxiety and nervousness. What I tell them is that they don’t need to worry about who’s standing in front of them or who is in the dressing room. They’re here because they deserve to be here. Focus on your strengths and on the things you can control. That’s the main message.” 

Rajat Patidar’s special praise for Rasikh Dar. 

Rajat Patidar had special praise for Rasikh Dar with whom he has been most impressed with. Dar has been stepped in superbly to fill the gap caused by Yash Dayal’s absence. Rasikh is RCB’s second highest wicket-taker with 16 wickets this season.

Rajat Patidar explained, “When you have bowlers like Bhuvi and Hazlewood, you still need support from the rest of the attack. The way Rasikh has come in and provided breakthroughs has been very important. You can’t win matches or tournaments relying on just one or two bowlers. He’s bowled superbly throughout the tournament and helped ensure the workload isn’t falling only on a couple of players. It’s been a genuine team effort.”

Rajat Patidar stressed on the mindset to win. 

Rajat Patidar repeatedly stressed on responsibility and mindset whenever he was asked about the team’s learnings and their journey over the last few years of resurgence. They’ve now made five playoffs in six seasons.

Rajat Patidar said, “My observation is that every player now takes responsibility, whether it’s with the bat or the ball. Responsibility is probably the key word. Every individual is keen to contribute and do something for the team. The other thing is the mindset. We’re not here just to qualify for the playoffs.” 

Rajat Patidar signed off, “We’re here to play finals and win finals. I think that mindset has changed the most.”

We shall wait and see whether Rajat Patidar can inspire his team RCB to back-to-back titles and join the elite list of teams and captains defending the title.

Also Read: RCB VS GT: RCB Aims To Win Back-To-Back Titles Against Resurgent GT.