‘I never dreamed of captaining RCB and lifting the trophy’: Rajat Patidar's emotional confession

Royal Challengers Bengaluru captain Rajat Patidar struggled to find words after guiding his side 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 defence with a five-wicket victory over Gujarat Titans in the IPL 2026 final at the Narendra Modi Stadium. Virat Kohli's unbeaten 75 anchored the chase after the bowlers had restricted GT to 155/8.Reflecting on the triumph, Patidar said the emotions were difficult to describe."I think it feels superb, you know. When we came here, a lot of memory of last year, the way we played last year. But at the same time, we have to be more in the present and feeling good. I think I don’t have words to express, but I’m feeling 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 inside the powerplay, putting the Titans under pressure from the outset."Yeah, 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 their top three in the powerplay, so it will be easy for us. And the way our bowlers bowled throughout the tournament, not in this match, I think it was superb."Patidar made sure to acknowledge the entire bowling unit for their contribution to RCB's back-to-back titles."And the way Bhuvi, Hazlewood and Rasikh - 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 only a handful of captains to successfully defend an IPL title."To be honest, I never dreamed of that, to be a captain and lifting a trophy for RCB. I think it was all written and I’m grateful for it."Patidar admitted there was less pressure on the squad this season after winning their maiden title a year ago, with confidence replacing the burden of expectation."Yeah, obviously, I think last year there was a lot of pressure because it was the first year for us (winning the title). And this year, I think we were pretty much confident because of the way we played in this tournament and everyone was looking 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 were coming in every ground wherever we go. 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 the guidance he received from senior figures within the franchise."I think before entering the tournament, the pre-tournament prep was very good for me. The way I looked at my batting, I tried to analyse where I can improve, which are the shots I can improve on against the fast bowlers especially.""In the tournament I worked with DK and a lot of players, VK Bhai. I got so many inputs, ideas, and it helped me."The RCB captain also highlighted Virat Kohli's influence within the dressing room, praising the veteran batter for the way he supports younger players."I think whenever I see him, on the field and off the field also, he is always there for the team. He is always there for the players, especially the new players who are coming in.""They have a lot of hesitation to speak, but he goes straight away and talks to them. So I think it was superb."Patidar ended his post-match remarks with a special message for the fans who followed the team across the country."So this one is for you again, RCB fans - Ee Salanu Cup Namdu (This year also the cup is ours)."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.