Patidar: Mindset is the same as last year’s final

Approaching the Final with Clarity

In the high-pressure environment of the IPL 2026, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) find themselves once again on the brink of glory. For captain Rajat Patidar, however, the noise surrounding legacy, personal accolades, and national team selection is secondary. Speaking ahead of the final training session in Ahmedabad, Patidar maintained a calm, collected demeanor, emphasizing that his focus remains entirely on the task at hand.

Despite the immense spotlight, Patidar rejects the idea that this match defines his legacy. Instead, he treats the final as the natural culmination of a season defined by hard work. When asked about comparisons to past captains or the weight of expectation, his response was direct: he prefers to remain in the moment, focusing on what he can control rather than reflecting on the past or speculating about the future.

Staying True to Himself

Patidar’s rise to captaincy has been swift, yet he remains remarkably grounded. Having secured a title in his very first season in 2025, one might expect the pressure to mount, but he credits his success to authenticity. “I’ve never tried to change myself,” he remarked. “It’s important to be yourself. Just because I’m captain doesn’t mean I need to become someone different.”

He highlights the role of the management and senior players in providing a stable environment. By allowing him to lead in his own style, the team has fostered a culture where Patidar feels empowered to stay in his own zone, free from the pressure of artificial transformation.

A New Season, A Familiar Drive

Addressing the notion of being “defending champions,” Patidar clarified the team’s internal perspective. While the 2025 victory was a monumental achievement, the squad is not approaching this game as a defense of a past trophy. To them, it is a fresh challenge. Patidar: Mindset is the same as last year’s final in the sense that the hunger to win remains constant, but the team is not dwelling on previous achievements.

“We’re not thinking like defending champions,” he stated. “It’s a new season and a new opportunity. Our mindset is that we’re here to win another title.” This shift in philosophy—moving away from just qualifying for the playoffs to consistently competing for trophies—is what he believes characterizes the modern RCB.

Empowering the Next Generation

A significant part of Patidar’s leadership style involves mentoring the younger members of the squad. Reflecting on his own breakthrough in 2021, he remembers the intimidation of playing alongside established stars. Today, he works to ensure that the newcomers feel confident in their own abilities.

“I tell them it’s important to be yourself and trust your strengths,” Patidar explained. “They don’t need to worry about who’s standing in front of them. They’re here because they deserve to be here.”

A Collective Effort

Patidar was quick to deflect individual praise, particularly when discussing the bowling unit. While acknowledging the value of veterans like Bhuvi and Josh Hazlewood, he lauded Rasikh Dar for stepping up in the absence of Yash Dayal. Dar’s contribution of 16 wickets has been a vital component of the team’s success, illustrating the collective responsibility that has become the hallmark of this RCB side.

Ultimately, whether they are batting or bowling, every player in the squad now understands their individual contribution to the team’s success. As the team prepares for the final, this shared sense of responsibility, combined with a clear-headed approach, suggests that RCB is ready to face whatever the opposition brings to the table.

The path to the final has been long, but the team’s resurgence—reaching five playoffs in six seasons—speaks to a culture change that goes beyond talent. It is about mindset, maturity, and the shared belief that they are not just here to participate, but to win.