Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) captain Rajat Patidar conceded on Monday that bowlers are under severe pressure in the current IPL climate, where 200-plus totals have become routine, even as he carefully avoided being drawn into the debate over the decision to shift the final from Bengaluru to Ahmedabad.
Speaking on the eve of RCB’s Qualifier 1 showdown against Gujarat Titans here on Tuesday, Patidar underlined that even scores in the 220-250 range are proving inadequate this season, calling it a worrying trend for bowlers, particularly the fast men who have to operate under unforgiving conditions.
Rajat Patidar’s thoughts on the challengers for the bowlers
During the pre-match media interaction, Rajat Patidar said, “I feel it is more challenging for the bowlers. The wickets are batting-friendly, boundaries are smaller, and there is dew as well. Especially for fast bowlers, even a small mistake goes for six.”Â
Rajat Patidar further added, “But whatever wicket or conditions we get, we just try to do our best on that. It is not in my hands to decide how the wickets should be.”Â
Rajat Patidar’s candid take on the shifting of the finale venue
When asked about the IPL summit clash being relocated from Bengaluru to Ahmedabad, Patidar chose his words carefully and kept the focus away from the off-field controversy.
Rajat Patidar said, “It’s not in my control. This is a historic site, so wherever the final is going to be, that’s where it is going to be. We are focused on reaching the final.”
The BCCI has justified the move to relocating the final to Ahmedabad by flagging operational challengers and local political factors in Bengaluru, including a surge in ticket demands and anticipated issues around managing the crowd.
RCB and GT, level on points at the end of the league phase, will now face off for a straight route into the final, a clash Patidar framed as a meeting of two sides that have matched each other throughout the season.
Rajat Patidar said, “Both teams have done pretty well throughout the season. On the given day, whichever team executes its plans better and stays calm under pressure is going to win.”
Rajat Patidar on the philosophy of cricket RCB will adopt in this clash.Â
Rajat Patidar stressed that RCB will not retreat from their attacking philosophy despite the run-heavy nature of this IPL insisting that their approach with the ball remains central to their campaign.
Rajat Patidar said, “Out strength is bowling. The way we bowl in the power play will be very crucial and everyone in the team knows that we are not here to defend, we are here with the mindset of attacking.”
Rajat Patidar further added, “We will look for early wickets, and that’s what we have done so far. Doing the same thing again and again will make the difference.” He held special praises for the pace trio of Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Josh Hazlewood, and Rasikh Salam.
Rajat Patidar backs Bhuvneshwar Kumar to come good.Â
Rajat Patidar also threw his weight behind senior seamer Bhuvneshwar Kumar after the veteran seamer endured a costly spell in their last outing, highlighting his value beyond just the figures.
Rajat Patidar said, “He is an experienced bowler. He knows about his strengths. The way he is talking to the junior bowlers, his presence in the team is very important.”Â
It remains to be seen how RCB fares in Qualifier 1 when they clash with GT in Dharamsala. The captain is quietly confident about his team getting a positive result and making it to the summit clash. It’s not going to be easy as GT is a quality side. A humdinger of a contest awaits us in Dharamsala.
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