BCCI President Mithun Manhas, left, and Secretary Devajit Saikia, right, hand over the championship trophy to Rajat Patidar (PTI Photo)
Royal Challengers Bengaluru captain Rajat Patidar struggled to find words after leading his team to a second successive IPL title, 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 win over Gujarat Titans in the IPL 2026 final at the Narendra Modi Stadium. Virat Kohli’s unbeaten 75 stabilized the chase after the bowlers restricted GT to 155/8.
Commenting on the victory, Patidar said the emotions were difficult to describe.“I think it’s a great feeling, you know. When we came here, we have a lot of memories of last year, the way we played last year. But at the same time, we have to be more in the present and feel good.”
“I think I have no words for it, but I feel good.”The RCB skipper revealed that bowling first was always part of the plan and praised his attack for executing it perfectly. Bengaluru’s bowlers removed Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan from inside the powerplay, putting the Giants under pressure from the start.“Yes, it was a clear plan. I think when we win the toss it’s easy to chase, you know, and our plan was easy – get top three on the powerplay, so it will be easy for us.”
“And the way our players shot throughout the tournament, and not in this match, I think was fantastic.”Patidar was keen to recognize the entire bowling unit for their contribution to RCB’s successive titles.“And the way Bhuvi, Hazlewood and Rasikh bowled – I want to mention all the bowlers, KP, Suyash and Shippy – I think they bowled brilliantly throughout the tournament.”The title win capped a remarkable personal journey for Patidar, who joined RCB in 2022 and is now one of the few captains to have successfully defended the IPL title.“To be honest, I never dreamed of this, to be a captain and lift the trophy for RCB. I think it was all written down and I’m grateful for that.”Patidar admitted that there was less pressure on the team this season after winning their first title a year ago, as confidence replaced the burden of expectations.“Yes, obviously, I think there was a lot of pressure last year because it was the first year for us (to win the title). And this year, I think we were very confident because of the way we played in this tournament and everyone was in a good frame of mind.”He also thanked RCB supporters for turning every venue into a home ground throughout the campaign.“It was good to see fans coming to every stadium wherever we went. It feels like home to us. So I think overall it’s been great, great for RCB.”Patidar credited the improvement in batting form to the extensive pre-tournament preparation and the guidance he received from senior figures within the franchise.“I think going into the tournament, my pre-tournament preparation was very good.
The way I looked at my batting, I tried to analyze what I could improve, which shots I could improve against fast bowlers especially.“In the tournament I worked with DK and several players, VK Bhai. I got a lot of inputs and ideas, and that helped me.”The RCB captain also highlighted Virat Kohli’s influence inside the dressing room, praising the veteran player for the way he supports the young players.“I think when I see him, on the field and off the field as well, he is always there for the team.
He is always there for the players, especially the new players coming in.”“They have a lot of hesitation to talk, but he immediately goes out and talks to them. So I thought it was great.”Patidar ended his post-match remarks with a special message to the fans who followed the team across the country.“So this cup is for you again, RCB fans – the E Salano Namdo Cup (the cup is also ours this year).”For a captain who never dreamed of leading RCB to the cup, Patidar now has two IPL titles in two seasons, cementing his place in franchise history.