Captain of Royal Challengers Bangalore Rajat Patidar After guiding his team to a second consecutive IPL title, he struggled to find words, admitting 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 KohliThe bowlers chased down his unbeaten 75 after restricting GT to 155/8.Reflecting on the win, Patidar said the emotion was difficult to describe.“I think it feels great, you know. When we came here, a lot of memories from last year, the way we played last year. I feel like I don’t have the words to describe it, but I feel good.”The RCB skipper revealed that batting first was always part of the plan and praised their attack for executing it perfectly. Removed the Bangalore bowlers. Shabman Gul And Sai Sudharsan inside the power play, putting the Titans under pressure right from the start.“Yes, it was an obvious plan. I think it’s easier to chase when we win the toss, you know, and our plan was simple – get their top three in the powerplay, then it’s easy for us. And the way our bowlers have bowled throughout the tournament, not just in this match, I think it’s been brilliant.”Patidar made sure to acknowledge the entire bowling unit for their contribution to RCB’s back-to-back titles.“And just like Bhuvi, Hazlewood and Rashikh – I want to mention every bowler, KP, Suyash, Sheppy – I think they bowled 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.“Honestly, 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 squad this season after winning their first title a year ago, with confidence replacing the burden of hope.“Yeah, obviously, I think there was a lot of pressure last year because it was our first year (winning the title). And this year, I think we were pretty confident because of the way we played in the 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’s good to see fans coming to every ground we go to. It feels like a home ground for us. So I think overall it was great, great for RCB.”Patidar credited his improved batting form to extensive preparation before the tournament and guidance from senior figures within the franchise.“I think before going into the tournament, the pre-tournament preparation was very good for me. The way I looked at my batting, I tried to analyze where I could improve, especially which shots I could improve against the fast bowlers.”“In the tournament I worked with DK and a lot of players, VK’s brother. I got a lot of input, ideas, and that helped me.”The RCB skipper also highlighted Virat Kohli’s influence in the dressing room, praising the veteran batsman for supporting the younger players.“I think every time I see him, on the field and off the field, he’s always there for the team. He is always there for the players, especially the new players coming in.”“He’s very reluctant to speak, but he goes straight up and talks to them. So I think that was great.”Patidar ended his post-match remarks with a special message for fans following the team across the country.“So here it is again for you, RCB fans – Ee Salanu Cup Namdu (the cup is ours this year too).”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 the franchise’s history.
