Rajat Patidar Reveals Faf du Plessis’s Role in His Leadership Success
A New Era of Leadership at RCB
In the high-stakes environment of the Indian Premier League, few franchises have undergone a transformation as profound as the Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Following their historic title triumph in 2025, the team has continued its momentum into the 2026 season. At the heart of this resurgence is Rajat Patidar, the man entrusted with the leadership of a side that is currently dominating the points table.
With 18 points from 13 matches, RCB is on the verge of cementing its place at the top of the standings, eyeing a record-breaking 10 wins in a single season. As the team gears up for another deep playoff run, the focus has shifted toward the man steering the ship.
While many might assume that learning the ropes under Virat Kohli would be the primary influence on any modern RCB leader, Patidar has taken a different approach. In a candid interview, the skipper highlighted the specific impact of former captain Faf du Plessis on his development as a leader.
The Faf du Plessis Factor
Patidar emphasized that while Kohli’s presence in the dressing room is undeniably iconic, he sought to forge his own identity rather than merely replicating his predecessors. He pointed to the specific qualities that made du Plessis an exceptional mentor during their time together.
“It was crucial not to copy any of the predecessors,” Patidar explained. “But there was one thing I was very influenced by from du Plessis: how he spoke to and gave importance to each player. He was confident; his body language conveyed authority on the ground.”
This insight reveals the tactical and emotional intelligence that du Plessis brought to the RCB camp. By prioritizing individual connection and unwavering confidence, the former South African captain provided a blueprint that Patidar has successfully integrated into his own leadership persona.
The Tactical Foundation
Leadership, however, is not just about man-management; it is about the preparation and study of the game. Patidar was quick to acknowledge the influence of his Madhya Pradesh coach, Chandrakant Pandit, in honing his analytical skills.
“Chandu sir taught me how meticulously you can prepare for a cricket game, how deeply you can study it,” Patidar remarked. “He has played for 20 years and then coached for another 20. His tactical strength was eye-opening for me.”
This dedication to the minutiae of the game has clearly translated onto the field, where RCB has looked more composed and tactically sound than in previous years.
Refining the Batting Craft
Beyond his captaincy duties, Rajat Patidar remains a cornerstone of the RCB batting order. Despite recent discussions surrounding his form and his brief stint on the sidelines due to a concussion, his numbers in 2026 reflect a player who has evolved significantly.
With 337 runs in 11 innings at a strike rate of 192, he has been a devastating force in the middle order. Addressing misconceptions about his game, Patidar noted, “My batting was of the multi-day mould while growing up, but I still had a good strike rate in this format. I have been able to get that clarity on how to bat across formats. I worked on my T20 game and tried to add to my strengths. The shots I can play now are because I have been practising them for years.”
Perhaps most surprisingly, the batter clarified his preference for bowling types: “People say I play spin very well, but I actually enjoy playing pace more.”
Looking Ahead
As the business end of IPL 2026 approaches, all eyes are on whether Patidar will return to the playing XI for the crucial clash against the Sunrisers Hyderabad. Having missed the recent match against the Punjab Kings, his return is highly anticipated by fans who are dreaming of a second consecutive trophy.
Rajat Patidar’s journey from a reliable middle-order batter to a captain who commands respect is a testament to his willingness to learn from diverse influences. By blending the man-management skills of Faf du Plessis with the tactical rigor of Chandrakant Pandit, Patidar has crafted a unique leadership style that is perfectly suited for the demands of modern T20 cricket.
