RCB captain Rajat Patidar gives a success mantra to his teammates ahead of IPL 2026 final
The Path to Consecutive Glory
In the high-octane world of the Indian Premier League, few achievements are as prestigious as defending a title. With the 2026 season reaching its crescendo, Rajat Patidar stands on the precipice of history. Having led the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) to a historic triumph in 2025, the 32-year-old skipper is just one victory away from joining an elite list of captains who have secured back-to-back trophies, a feat previously accomplished only by legends like MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma.
Defining a Personal Legacy
Despite the comparisons, Patidar remains focused on his own path. In a pre-match press conference held on Saturday, he clarified his stance on the expectations placed upon him. RCB captain Rajat Patidar gives a success mantra to his teammates ahead of IPL 2026 final, and that mantra is rooted in staying true to oneself. He explicitly stated that he has no intention of altering his leadership style to mimic the legends of the past, nor is he competing for individual accolades.
“Every captain wants to win trophies, but I don’t want to change myself. I have always focused on this. I don’t want to do anything different just because I am a captain,” Patidar remarked. He acknowledged that his personal journey has been marked by significant peaks and valleys, and this perspective keeps him grounded as he prepares his squad for the final showdown against the Gujarat Titans.
The Power of Mentorship and Management
Patidar is quick to attribute part of his success to the collective wisdom within the RCB camp. He draws immense inspiration from veteran teammates like Virat Kohli and Bhuvneshwar Kumar. According to the skipper, the ability to listen is a vital component of his leadership. “You can learn a lot off the field and on the field. There are a lot of experienced players in the side. I am getting good suggestions from the players. I am trying to understand the inputs and apply them,” he explained.
Furthermore, he praised the environment fostered by the franchise’s management, specifically mentioning coach Andy Flower and Mo Bobat. He highlighted that the management provides him with the freedom to operate without undue pressure. “They know me as an individual. Even the senior players are aware of me. There is backing from the management and the teammates. Being in my zone is also helping me,” he added.
Empowering the Next Generation
Beyond his tactical duties, Patidar has taken a keen interest in nurturing the younger members of the RCB squad. Drawing from his own experiences in 2021, when he looked to senior players for guidance, he now serves as a mentor, passing on the lessons he learned during his formative years.
His advice to the youngsters is simple yet profound: focus on self-belief. “I like spending time with the young players. I tell them the importance of being yourself. You don’t have to look at others. You are playing because you deserve it. Focus on your strengths and what is in your control,” he stated. This philosophy of internal control is what has defined the RCB dressing room under his tenure.
Looking Ahead
As the conversation turned toward the possibility of representing or leading the national side in T20 Internationals, Patidar remained characteristically humble and focused. He distanced himself from long-term speculation, prioritizing the immediate goal at hand. “I am not thinking about playing and leading Team India in T20Is,” he said. For now, the mission is singular: to steer the Royal Challengers Bengaluru toward another IPL trophy. As the final approaches, the confidence in the RCB camp is palpable, underpinned by a leader who values authenticity and collective growth above all else.
