Royal Challengers Bengaluru captain Rajat Patidar admitted he was overwhelmed after leading the franchise to a second successive IPL title, saying the achievement was beyond anything he had imagined when he first joined the team.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (Photo: IANS/Raj Kumar)
Royal Challengers Bengaluru captain Rajat Patidar admitted he was overwhelmed after leading the franchise to a second successive IPL title, saying the achievement was beyond anything he had imagined when he first joined the team.
Speaking after RCB’s five-wicket win over Gujarat Titans in the IPL 2026 final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday, Patidar struggled to put his emotions into words.
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“It feels superb. When we came here, there were many memories from last year. I don’t have words to express how I feel, but it’s very good,” Patidar said.
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The victory saw RCB become only the third franchise in IPL history, after Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians, to successfully defend their title. Having ended their long wait for a maiden crown in 2025, Bengaluru followed it up with another dominant campaign in 2026, finishing at the top of the league table before lifting the trophy once again.
Patidar credited the team’s planning and the consistency of the bowling unit for their success throughout the season. “It was clear planning. When we win the toss, it was easy to chase. The way Bhuvi, Hazlewood, Rasikh, KP Suyash, and Shepherd bowled was impressive throughout the tournament,” he said.
RCB’s bowlers once again delivered on the big stage, restricting Gujarat Titans to 155/8 despite a fighting half-century from Washington Sundar. Rasikh Salam Dar starred with three wickets, while Josh Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar Kumar maintained relentless pressure to prevent Gujarat from building any momentum.
In reply, RCB made a flying start through Virat Kohli and Venkatesh Iyer, who helped the side register the fastest team fifty in an IPL final. While wickets fell at the other end, Kohli anchored the chase brilliantly with an unbeaten 75 off 42 balls, bringing up the fastest fifty of his IPL career and ensuring Bengaluru crossed the finish line comfortably.
For Patidar, the triumph carried special significance as he reflected on his journey from being a squad member to captaining the franchise to consecutive titles. “I never dreamed of becoming the captain of RCB and lifting the trophy. I think it was meant to be. I am grateful for that,” he said.
Patidar also felt that the experience of winning the title last season helped the side handle pressure better this year. “We were slightly more confident than last year. Everywhere felt like a home ground for us with the fans supporting us,” he said.
The RCB skipper also highlighted the work he put in before the season and acknowledged the role played by mentor Dinesh Karthik in his development.
“The pre-tournament prep was very good for me. I focused on discovering which shots work for me. I received a lot of useful input from DK,” he said.
Patidar reserved special praise for the batting talisman Kohli, whose influence continued to extend well beyond his performances with the bat.
“He (Virat Kohli) is always there for the team,” he said.
As the celebrations began in Ahmedabad and RCB completed another memorable season, Patidar made sure to thank the supporters who have stood by the franchise through years of highs and lows.
“This one is for you again, RCB fans. Ee Sala Cup Namdu.”
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