IPL 2026 Final: RCB captain Patidar — We cannot keep talking about our first title

Rajat Patidar loves living in the present. So, when he was asked on the eve of the IPL 2026 final whether he envisioned himself earning a place in India’s T20I squad for the upcoming tours of Ireland and England, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru captain simply nodded and replied nonchalantly: “I am not looking forward to it…”

It has been more than two years since Patidar last donned the India colours. Yet, he has remained among the most consistent performers in domestic cricket and the IPL, where he guided RCB to its maiden title last season after years of near misses and heartbreak.

As another title beckons, Patidar, however, wants to keep things simple.

“I don’t visualise to be a T20 captain of India. But at the same time, every captain wants to win the trophy. So, last year we did it, but again it’s a new season,” Patidar said about Sunday’s final against the Gujarat Titans. “We cannot keep talking about it. We have to be more in the present and do whatever is best leading up to the final.”

Never one for grand gestures or dramatic statements, Patidar has quietly brought stability to a dressing room packed with superstars and emerging talents. Under his watch, several players have flourished, and the captain believes staying true to oneself is the key to handling pressure.

“I always like to spend time with the youngsters. I always try to tell them that it’s important to be yourself, to play to your strength, because when I was 20-21, I had faced similar situations, where I would look at the senior players. Of course, there was anxiety and nervousness,” Patidar said.

“I keep telling them the same thing that you don’t have to look who is standing in front of you, or who is there in your team. You are here because you deserve it. So, it’s important to be yourself, focus on your strength rather than focusing on what is not in your control.”

That philosophy has shaped RCB’s campaign this season and helped Patidar get the best out of his players. With the franchise now one win away from retaining the title, the captain remains focused on the process rather than the occasion.

Asked whether Phil Salt would be available for the final and if RCB would tweak its opening combination should the England batter recover in time, Patidar remained non-committal.

“He is with the side, doing some drills. The team doctors are looking at him, and we will see the pitch and decide on our opening combination accordingly.”

Published on May 30, 2026