‘It’s a normal game’: Rajat Patidar ahead of RCB’s IPL 2026 final against GT

The IPL 2026 season has reached its grand finale, with defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru set to take on Gujarat Titans at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday. With a second consecutive title on the line, RCB captain Rajat Patidar is determined not to let the occasion overwhelm his side.

Despite the high stakes of the summit clash, Patidar insisted that he is approaching the contest like any other match, stressing the importance of staying grounded and focused on the present rather than thinking about the outcome.

Advertisement

RCB enter the final brimming with confidence after finishing at the top of the league standings and securing direct qualification with a commanding 92-run victory over Gujarat Titans in Qualifier 1. The Bengaluru-based franchise will also draw inspiration from last season’s triumph, which was sealed at the same venue.

Speaking ahead of the final, Patidar said returning to the Narendra Modi Stadium brings back fond memories but emphasised that the team’s focus remains firmly on executing its plans rather than getting carried away by the magnitude of the occasion.

“Feeling great, back-to-back finals, and on the same ground. So, there are a lot of memories of last year. It’s a final, it’s a big stage, but for me I think it’s a normal game,” Patidar said in a video released by RCB on X.

The RCB skipper stressed the importance of staying focused on the present rather than getting carried away by the occasion.

“I always like to take a big game also as a normal game. And I always try to be more in the present. I don’t want to think too much ahead. That it’s going to be final. What is going to happen. Nothing about the result. Stay more in the present,” he added.

RCB have been one of the standout teams of IPL 2026, finishing the league stage with nine wins from 14 matches.

Patidar credited the collective effort of the squad for helping the franchise reach a second consecutive final.

“We should be proud of the way we played till now in this tournament. Everyone has dominated. Everyone has contributed for the team. So it’s a good positive sign for them,” he said.

Reflecting on the opportunity to return to the Narendra Modi Stadium, Patidar said the team is eager to add another special chapter to its history.

“Great memories here. And we want to create some more memories in a couple of days’ time,” he said.

Head coach Andy Flower echoed his captain’s confidence while praising the team’s consistency throughout the season.

“Feeling great, back-to-back finals, and on the same ground. So, there are a lot of memories of last year. The boys have done a brilliant job over a period of time to get here,” Flower said.

“And get here with some style as well. It takes a lot of hard work and thought and courage from the boys out here, in the middle, in games, and a lot of nerve to top the table in this league. But there’s more to do, obviously,” he added.

Flower also highlighted the importance of keeping things simple when the pressure rises in a major final. “I always think it’s a good idea to simplify things when you feel under pressure. And I would imagine the guys will have something similar in their head,” he said.

RCB will now look to complete a successful title defence when they face the Gujarat Titans on Sunday, with Patidar’s men aiming to become only the third team in IPL history to win back-to-back IPL trophies.

(With agency inputs)