RCB's mane appeal: Rajat Patidar, like MS Dhoni, is reassuring again

One of the most striking features of Rajat Patidar’s look this season has been his long, flowing hair. Every time the RCB skipper steps out to bat, it brings back memories of a young MS Dhoni, whose own long locks became a part of Indian cricket folklore in the mid-2000s. The visual resemblance cannot be ignored and social media has had a lot of fun drawing comparisons between the two.

However, as Royal Challengers Bengaluru marched to a second consecutive IPL title, it became increasingly clear that the similarity went far beyond appearances. The more Patidar led one of the most watched franchises in Indian cricket, the more he began to remind observers of Dhoni for an entirely different reason.

IPL 2026 FINALS: MAIN | SCORECARD

MORE THAN JUST HAIR

For all the attention Dhoni’s hairstyle received during his early years, it was never a defining feature of his captaincy. What set him apart was his ability to remain calm regardless of the situation. Whether India was defending a modest total in World Cup knockout matches or chasing a tough target under pressure, Dhoni rarely looked flustered.

Patidar displayed similar traits during his tenure as RCB captain.

Running this franchise is not easy. Expectations are relentless, constant scrutiny and every result is dissected in microscopic detail. Add in the presence of Virat Kohli, arguably the most influential figure in franchise history, and the pressure only mounts. Yet during RCB’s title-winning campaign, Patidar rarely looked burdened by any of it. Rajat Patidar in conversation with Virat Kohli. (Image: PTI)

His reactions remain measured, his decisions rarely appear rash, and his body language changes very little regardless of the match situation. It is a trait that has become one of the defining characteristics of his captaincy.

A DIFFERENT KIND OF LEADER

Patidar’s leadership style stands in contrast to many modern captains. He doesn’t dominate the conversation or try to be the center of attention. Instead, he seems content to let others take the spotlight.

Former RCB batsman Dinesh Karthik highlighted this after the IPL final when he described Patidar as a calming influence in a dressing room full of strong personalities.

“Rajat has been a huge calming influence in a dressing room that is high-octane and high-testosterone. He keeps things very calm and that’s so important,” Karthik said.

Karthik’s assessment was particularly relevant as RCB have traditionally been associated with energy and emotion. Patidar has added a layer of poise that may not have been there before. Rajat Patidar joins the select few IPL captains who have won multiple IPL titles. (Image: PTI)

The former India wicketkeeper also pointed out another quality that makes the Patidar stand out.

“I think he likes to be a star, not a superstar,” Karthik remarked.

The comparison with Dhoni is stronger when you look at him through that lens. Like the former Indian captain, Patidar looks secure enough in his position to let others shine. He doesn’t need every success, every decision or every headline to revolve around him.

TRUST THE PROCESS

Similarities also extend to the way he manages his players.

After the final, Patidar offered an insight into his captaincy philosophy and why he prefers to give players freedom rather than constantly directing them off the field.

“My style of captaincy is different. I am not very expressive but I am always aware of the game situation,” said Patidar.

This approach is perhaps most visible in the way he manages his bowling attack.

“I don’t go to the rounders very often because I trust them. They already have clear plans. My job is not to disturb them repeatedly.” Rajat Patidar will field alongside Josh Hazlewood. (Image: AFP)

It’s a philosophy that sounds remarkably familiar to anyone who has followed Dhoni’s captaincy. Trust the preparation, trust the players and avoid unnecessary interventions.

This belief has helped create an environment where players feel valued regardless of whether they are regular starters or team members waiting for an opportunity. Throughout the season, RCB has repeatedly spoken about role clarity and confidence in the dressing room.

Patidar himself believes that there has been a significant shift in the culture of the franchise.

“New players are treated as important as experienced players. Everyone feels valued,” he said.

WHY THE COMPARISON FIT

Any comparison with Dhoni is not without risk. The former India captain’s achievements put him in a category of his own and the Patidar is still at the beginning of his leadership journey.

Still, comparisons aren’t always about trophies or records. Sometimes they are about qualities.

RAJAT IS JUST THE CAPTAIN, VIRAT KOHLI IS THE REAL MENTOR

Ravi Ashwin: Rajat Patidar deserves huge credit for his captaincy. Selflessly, he gave Virat Kohli the space to lead and mentor the team, focusing on what was best for RCB rather than seeking attention himself. pic.twitter.com/8YdD0B4qiG— Sam (@cricsam02) June 1, 2026

Long hair might be what fans first think of Dhoni, but it is A Patidar’s temperament that makes us compare to a stick. He provided calm, clarity and confidence to a franchise that had been searching for stability for years. These were some of the traits that defined Dhoni’s best teams and are increasingly becoming hallmarks of Patidar’s RCB as well.

A haircut may have started the conversation. The captain is what kept him alive.

– The end

Issued by:

Amar Panicker

Published on:

1 Jun 2026 14:01 IST