Rajat Patidar expressed his elation after guiding Royal Challengers Bengaluru to their second consecutive IPL title. He described the achievement as surreal and beyond his imagination when he first joined the team. Patidar’s leadership was instrumental in RCB’s solid five-wicket win over Gujarat Titans in the IPL 2026 final at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium.
The RCB captain commended the team’s meticulous planning and the consistent performance of their bowling unit throughout the season. He specifically praised the impressive bowling display by players like Bhuvi, Hazlewood, Rasikh, KP Suyash, and Shepherd. This victory marked RCB as the third team, alongside Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings, to successfully defend their IPL crown.
In the final match, RCB successfully chased down 156 runs, with Virat Kohli’s unbeaten 75 off 42 balls playing a pivotal role. Kohli’s quick fifty was crucial in RCB’s confident pursuit of the target. Patidar, reflecting on his unexpected journey to captaincy, expressed gratitude for the opportunity and the team’s success.
Patidar credited the team’s enhanced confidence in the season to their previous title win in 2025. He noted the overwhelming support from fans at every venue, making it feel like a home ground for RCB. The captain also highlighted the importance of his pre-tournament preparation and the valuable guidance he received from mentor Dinesh Karthik.
While Kohli’s stellar performance was a highlight, Patidar emphasized the captain’s overall contribution to the team beyond just scoring runs. RCB’s bowlers, led by Rasikh Salam Dar, restricted Gujarat Titans to 155/8 despite Washington Sundar’s fighting half-century. Kohli and Venkatesh Iyer’s strong partnership propelled RCB to the fastest team fifty in an IPL final, securing another memorable victory for the Bengaluru franchise.
Amid celebrations, Patidar dedicated the win to the loyal RCB fans, expressing gratitude for their unwavering support over the years.
