Royal Challengers Bengaluru may be the defending champions but skipper Rajat Patidar has made it clear that his team will not carry the burden of defending last season’s title.
After starting their IPL 2026 campaign in impressive fashion, RCB hit a slight wobble in the crucial phase league stage, they lost the last two matches and allowed the race for the top two places to be finished. With the playoffs looming, momentum can often be as important as points, but Patidar is not willing to let the pressure of being the reigning champions change the team’s approach.
Not to defend, but to attack
Instead of looking at the season as a title defence, the RCB skipper wants his side to rise to the challenge of winning the trophy again.
“We’re not playing as defending champions this season. Instead.” we have an opportunity to be champions one day again,” Patidar said at the post-match press conference in Lucknow.
“We are not in the mindset that we need to defend anything. We want to have an attacking game and with an attacking mindset we have the opportunity to be champions again.”
It’s a subtle but significant shift in thinking.
The defending champions often slide into caution, with the fear of losing what they already have influencing decisions on the pitch. However, Patidar is determined to ensure that does not happen to RCB, especially at this stage of the tournament where hesitation can prove costly.
Leaving 2025 in the past
The RCB skipper doubled down on that philosophy, insisting that his side will not allow the tag of defending champions to push them into a passive state of mind.
“In that regard, we are not in a defensive mindset or a defensive mindset. The title we won was for 2025. In this new season, we are trying to stay present and do the best for the team.”
This approach reflects a team that strives to stay focused on the immediate challenge rather than the weight of expectation that comes with becoming champions.
RCB’s recent defeats may have raised concerns that they are losing steam at the wrong time, but Patidar’s comments suggest there is no appetite for panic or self-preservation in the dressing room.
Hunters, not the hunted
Instead, the message is clear: RCB would rather be the hunters than the hunted.
With the first two races still alive, that mindset could prove crucial. Finishing in the top two offers the safety net of another chance in the playoffs, so every remaining game is vital.
For Patidars, however, the equation seems simple. RCB are not here to protect last year’s trophy.
They are here to try to win another one.
IPL 2026 | IPL Schedule | IPL Points Table | IPL Player Stats | Purple Cap | Orange Cap | IPL Videos | Cricket News | Live Score
– The end
Issued by:
Amar Panicker
Published on:
May 8, 2026 12:12 PM IST
