Rajat Patidar Reveals The Mentor Behind His RCB Captaincy Success

The Architect of RCB’s Continued Dominance

In the high-pressure environment of the Indian Premier League, captaincy is often scrutinized under a microscope. For Rajat Patidar, the challenge of leading the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) has been magnified by the weight of expectations following their historic maiden title win in 2025. Yet, in IPL 2026, Patidar and his squad have proven that their previous success was no fluke. With the team currently sitting at the top of the table with 18 points from 13 matches, they are on the cusp of etching their name into history as the first RCB side to secure 10 wins in a single season.

The Faf du Plessis Factor

When discussing leadership within the RCB dressing room, it is natural for observers to point toward the legendary presence of Virat Kohli. However, Rajat Patidar offers a different perspective on his own evolution as a leader. Instead of mirroring the legendary batter, Patidar highlights the profound influence of former skipper Faf du Plessis.

“It was crucial not to copy any of the predecessors,” Patidar stated in a recent interview with Sportstar. “But there was one thing I was very influenced by from du Plessis: how he spoke to and gave importance to each player. He was confident; his body language conveyed authority on the ground.” This realization helped Patidar foster a culture of inclusivity and confidence, which has been instrumental in keeping the team united during their grueling campaign.

Tactical Mentorship and Professional Growth

Beyond the influence of his predecessor, Patidar attributes much of his tactical maturity to his long-time coach, Chandrakant Pandit. According to the RCB captain, Pandit’s meticulous approach to the game provided him with a blueprint for success.

“Chandu sir taught me how meticulously you can prepare for a cricket game, how deeply you can study it,” Patidar explained. “He has played for 20 years and then coached for another 20. His tactical strength was eye-opening for me.” This deep analytical foundation has allowed Patidar to approach captaincy with a level of foresight that is rare for those in their early stages of leadership.

Defining His Own Batting Identity

While his captaincy has been a major talking point, Patidar remains a cornerstone of the RCB batting order. Addressing critiques regarding his style, he emphasized that his technical foundation is built on years of hard work across formats. Contrary to popular belief, he doesn’t just specialize in dismantling spin bowling.

“My batting was of the multi-day mould while growing up, but I still had a good strike rate in this format,” he noted. “I have been able to get that clarity on how to bat across formats. I worked on my T20 game and tried to add to my strengths. People say I play spin very well, but I actually enjoy playing pace more.”

The Road Ahead in IPL 2026

Statistically, Patidar has had a productive season, scoring 337 runs in 11 innings at an impressive strike rate of 192. Despite a minor dip in form in his last two appearances and a recent absence due to a concussion, his leadership remains the glue holding the side together. As RCB gears up for their crucial clash against the Sunrisers Hyderabad, all eyes will be on the captain to see if he can lead his team to yet another victory and solidify their standing heading into the playoffs. The journey from a promising talent to a captain who has ended an 18-year title drought is a testament to his adaptability, humility, and the valuable lessons he continues to apply on the field.