Ahead of Qualifier 1 between RCB and GT in Indian Premier League 2026, RCB captain Rajat Patidar said his side will continue with its attacking approach and rely on its bowling strength under pressure.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru's captain Rajat Patidar plays a shot during the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 match between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium in Hyderabad district of Telangana on Friday, May 22, 2026. (Photo: IANS)
Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Gujarat Titans are set to battle for a direct place in the final when the two sides face off in Qualifier 1 of Indian Premier League 2026 on Tuesday, with RCB captain Rajat Patidar insisting his team will stick to its aggressive mindset on the big stage.
With a direct spot in the final at stake, the RCB skipper said his side will continue to stick to the aggressive approach that has defined their campaign this season.
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“Both teams have done really well throughout the season. On the given day, whichever team executes their plans better, plays better cricket and stays calmer under pressure, I think that team will win the match,” Patidar said ahead of the knockout clash.
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“It’s a big stage, Qualifier 1. We must hold our nerves and be confident in whatever we are doing.”
The two sides split results during the league stage, with RCB winning the first meeting by five wickets before Gujarat Titans bounced back with a four-wicket victory in the reverse fixture.
Patidar highlighted RCB’s bowling attack as one of the side’s biggest strengths and stressed the importance of striking early with the new ball.
“Our strength is bowling and the way we bowl in the powerplay will be very crucial,” he said.
“Everyone in the team knows that we are not here to defend, we are here with the mindset of attacking and we will look for early wickets. That is what Bhuvi, Hazlewood and Rasikh have been doing and we hope to continue in the same process.”
The RCB captain also praised Venkatesh Iyer for stepping up in recent games after limited opportunities earlier in the season.
“I know Venky from childhood and the way he presents himself is extraordinary. The way he plays in any given situation and his flexibility in the batting order, I really like his attitude,” Patidar said.
“He was preparing himself even when he wasn’t getting opportunities. The work he put in during nets and the way he communicated showed he was ready, and as soon as he got the opportunity, he cashed in.”
Reflecting on his first season as captain, Patidar credited the experienced core around him, including Virat Kohli, Josh Hazlewood and Tim David, for helping him grow as a leader.
“To be honest, I don’t need to do so much extra. Our management, coaching staff and senior players have a lot of experience and that is helping me a lot as a leader,” he said.
“I get so many ideas from the likes of Virat Kohli, Devdutt, Jitesh, Hazlewood and Tim David. Their ideas and experiences help me a lot and I try to communicate as much as possible.”
Patidar also spoke about the influence of veteran pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar, especially in guiding younger bowlers through high-pressure situations.
“In the IPL, it is difficult for bowlers and sometimes you get hit, but what matters is how confident you are and how much clarity you have about your role,” he said.
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