It is never easy for any player, to replace someone of the stature of Virat Kohli. So, when Rajat Patidar took over the reigns of RCB from the veteran in IPL 2025, the expectations would have been minimal. Cut to June 2026, RCB have won two back-to-back titles under Patidar, who had first joined the team in 2021.
Patidar’s small tribute to RCB fans
And no one perhaps could be more ecstatic than the skipper himself. In a tribute to the RCB fans, He said, “This one is for you again, RCB fans. Ee Sala nu Cup Namdu (Cup is ours this year).”
Yes, there are some great players in the side, but the contribution of Pati the skipper cannot be forgotten. In fact, there is the example of Ruturaj Gaikwad as well, who after taking over CSK from MS Dhoni, hasn’t been able to take them to the playoffs also. But that is the signs of a great leader, who distributes his due credit, among the team members.
Patidar, after winning, had all the players to thank. “The way Bhuvi, Hazlewood, Rasikh, KP Suyash and Shepherd, they bowled really well throughout the tournament. I never dreamt of becoming the captain of RCB and lifting the trophy. I think it was written. Grateful for that,” he told JioHotstar.
Credits support from players, staff
He also echoed the sentiments of Virat Kohli, that the team was much more confident from the last year, having lifted the trophy once already. In fact, he opened up about his own batting as well, which was a total game-changer too. He also credited Dinesh Kartik for his inputs on his batting.
“We were slightly more confident than last year. Everywhere it felt like a home ground for us with the fans coming in. The pre-tournament prep was very good for me. I tried to analyze which shots are good for me. I got so many inputs from DK, which were helpful for me. He is always there for the team.”
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