IPL 2026: Quiet reinvention defines Patidar’s campaign

DHARAMSALA: If it was not for an injury to Luvnith Sisodia, the record books wouldn’t be telling you today that Rajat Patidar has become only the fifth captain to lead his franchise to successive IPL finals. That quirk of fate not only allowed Patidar to make a comeback to Royal Challengers Bengaluru but also helped him emerge as one of their most successful skippers.


However, the franchise and the player didn’t have a happy opening chapter. Patidar was released by RCB after an underwhelming maiden stint with them in 2021. No franchise showed interest in him at the auction the next year, and it was only when Sisodia was ruled out that the RCB management decided to fall back on Patidar. He grabbed the opportunity with both hands and slammed a 54-ball 112 against KKR in the Eliminator to earn the franchise’s trust.







Yet, he was more keen to dwell on the team effort behind the massive win. “It was a super game for us. The way the batsmen dominated and everyone was striking with intent, that was really good for us,” he said. The rise of RCB and the rise of Patidar as a leader have gone hand in hand. A year after he lost his spot in the Indian Test side, Patidar was elevated to RCB captaincy before the league started last year. The decision did raise a few eyebrows. After all, he had to manage a stalwart like Virat Kohli and other senior pros.


But the RCB team management threw their support behind their new captain. In his own unassuming way, Patidar sought suggestions from his seniors, earned their trust and quietly built confidence in his leadership within the group.
“He goes about his captaincy without drawing too much attention. But he makes all the important decisions in a very cool, calm and uncomplicated way,” said RCB’s director of cricket, Mo Bobat.
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