Royal Challengers Bengaluru batting coach Dinesh Karthik heaped praise on captain Rajat Patidar and credited him with raising the standards of leadership in the franchise during IPL 2026. Patidar, who led RCB to their maiden title last season, has continued to impress as a batsman as well as captain in the ongoing campaign.
Speaking ahead of RCB’s clash against Delhi Capitals, Karthik emphasized Patidar’s calm attitude and growing influence in the team.
“Rajat Patidar keeps raising his standards. He is calm, thoughtful and it shows in the way he bats.”
He has respect in the room and treats his pitchers well. He stays calm under pressure and makes good decisions,” Karthik said at the pre-match press conference.
Patidar’s leadership has been central to RCB’s strong start this season, with the team maintaining its aggressive identity while showing control at key moments.
HOW WAS RAJAT PATIDAR IN IPL 2026?
Patidar’s influence this season has gone beyond the captaincy. With the bat, he has been one of RCB’s most consistent players, scoring 238 runs at a remarkable 210-plus rate in his first seven matches.
What stands out is his intent from the first ball. Unlike traditional middle-order anchors, Patidar does not take long to settle down. She tries to push herself early, often hitting the limit within the first few births. This approach has helped RCB cross the 200-run mark consistently this season.
There is also a clear pattern in RCB’s results linked to his pace. In games where the Patidars came on early against teams like Sunrisers Hyderabad, Chennai Super Kings, Mumbai Indians and Lucknow Super Giants, RCB dominated. But in matches where it failed to build momentum, such as against Rajasthan Royals and Delhi, the team struggled to maintain its lead.
While it may not be entirely down to one player, Patidar’s pace has clearly shaped RCB’s batting identity. When it’s under control, the shift flows. When it isn’t, the intensity drops.
His adaptability was evident even after the T20. In the recent Ranji Trophy season, he scored 266 runs in seven innings for Madhya Pradesh at an average of 44.33, underlining his ability to switch formats effectively.
With five wins from seven matches, RCB are currently second in the points table and much of that consistency can be traced back to Patidar’s dual role as a leader and highly impactful batsman.
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Issued by:
Debodinna Chakraborty
Published on:
27 Apr 2026 10:35 IST
