‘I never dreamed of captaining RCB and lifting the trophy’: Rajat Patidar’s emotional confession

BCCI President Mithun Manhas (left) and Secretary Devajit Saikia (right) present the tournament trophy to Rajat Patidar (PTI Photo) Royal Challengers Bengaluru captain Rajat Patidar struggled for words after leading his side to a second straight IPL title and admitted that lifting the trophy for the franchise was something he never imagined when he joined the team.RCB completed a successful title defense with a five-wicket victory over Gujarat Titans in the IPL 2026 final at the Narendra Modi Stadium. Virat Kohli’s unbeaten 75 anchored the chase after the bowlers restricted GT to 155/8.Reflecting on the triumph, Patidar said the emotion was hard to describe.“I think it’s a great feeling, you know. When we came here, a lot of memories of last year, how we played last year. But at the same time, we have to be more present and feel good. I don’t think I have words to express, but I feel good.”The RCB skipper revealed that bowling first was always part of the plan and praised his attack for executing it perfectly. The Bengaluru bowlers removed Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan during the power over, putting the Titans under pressure from the start.“Yeah, it was a clear plan. I think if we win the toss, it’s easy to chase, you know, and our plan was easy – get their top three in the power play, so it’s going to be easy for us. And the way our pitchers bowled all tournament, not in this game, I think that was great.”Patidar made sure to thank the entire bowling unit for their contribution to RCB’s back-to-back titles.“And the way Bhuvi, Hazlewood and Rasikh – I want to mention all the bowlers, KP, Suyash, Sheppy – I think they played brilliantly throughout the tournament.The title triumph capped a remarkable personal journey for Patidar, who joined RCB in 2022 and has now become one of the few captains to successfully defend an IPL title.“To be honest, I never dreamed of being the captain and lifting the trophy for RCB. I think it was all written and I am grateful for that.”Patidar admitted that there was less pressure on the team this season after winning their first title a year ago, the burden of expectation replaced by confidence.“Yeah, of course, I think there was a lot of pressure last year because it was the first year for us (to win the title). And this year I think we had a lot of confidence because we played in this tournament and everyone seemed to be in good spirits.”He also thanked the RCB supporters for turning every venue into a home ground during the campaign.“It was good to see the fans coming to every ground wherever we are. It’s like a home ground for us. So I think overall it was great, great for RCB.”Patidar attributed his improved batting form to extensive pre-tournament preparation and the guidance he received from senior figures within the franchise.“I think the pre-tournament preparation was very good for me before coming into the tournament. As I looked at my batting, I tried to analyze where I can improve, which are the strokes that I can improve especially against the fast bowlers.”“In the tournament I worked with DK and many players, VK Bhai. I got so many inputs, ideas and it helped me.”The RCB skipper also highlighted Virat Kohli’s influence in the dressing room and praised the veteran for the way he supports the younger players.“I think whenever I see him, on and off the field, he’s always there for the team. He’s always there for the players, especially the new players coming in.”“They’re very hesitant to talk, but he goes right over and talks to them. So I think that was great.”Patidar concluded his post-match remarks with a special message for the fans who followed the team across the country.“So this is again for you RCB fans – Ee Salanu Cup Namdu (This year the cup is also ours).”For a captain who never dreamed of leading RCB to a trophy, Patidar now has two IPL titles in two seasons, cementing his place in franchise history.