Rajat Patidar Reveals The Mentor Behind His RCB Captaincy Success
A New Era of Leadership at RCB
In the high-pressure environment of the Indian Premier League, the transition from a key batter to a franchise captain is a monumental shift. For Rajat Patidar, the captain of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), this transition has been nothing short of transformative. Following the franchise’s historic title run in 2025, the team has continued its dominant form in IPL 2026, currently sitting at the top of the table with 18 points from 13 matches. As they chase a second consecutive championship, the spotlight is firmly on Patidar’s evolution as a leader.
The Faf du Plessis Factor
While the presence of a legendary figure like Virat Kohli in the dressing room is naturally a source of inspiration for any player, Patidar points toward a different influence when discussing his tactical and emotional approach to captaincy. It was the leadership of Faf du Plessis that left the most significant mark on his journey.
Speaking on his growth, Patidar noted, “It was crucial not to copy any of the predecessors. 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 focus on player empowerment and clarity of communication has become a hallmark of Patidar’s tenure, bridging the gap between individual brilliance and collective team success.
Tactical Preparation and The Chandrakant Pandit Influence
Leadership is not merely about man-management; it requires a deep, almost clinical understanding of the game. Patidar credits his long-time coach, Chandrakant Pandit, for instilling the discipline required for elite-level strategy. Pandit’s extensive experience, spanning two decades as a player and another two as a coach, provided Patidar with a unique perspective on the rigors of professional cricket.
“Chandu sir taught me how meticulously you can prepare for a cricket game, how deeply you can study it,” Patidar explained. “His tactical strength was eye-opening for me.” This emphasis on preparation has allowed the current RCB squad to maintain a level of consistency that has seen them reach 10 wins in a single season for the first time in their history.
Refining the Batting Craft
Beyond his responsibilities as a leader, Patidar remains an indispensable asset with the bat. Despite some skepticism surrounding his transition between formats, he has maintained a fierce strike rate of 192 in the 2026 season, scoring 337 runs across 11 innings. He addresses the misconceptions regarding his style, stating, “My batting was of the multi-day mould while growing up, but I still had a good strike rate in this format. I have been able to get that clarity on how to bat across formats.”
Patidar also clarified a common narrative regarding his batting strengths: “People say I play spin very well, but I actually enjoy playing pace more.” This preference for pace has served him well in the high-scoring environments of recent IPL seasons, allowing him to anchor innings while keeping the scoreboard moving at an aggressive clip.
Looking Ahead to the Playoffs
As the business end of IPL 2026 approaches, the focus for RCB is entirely on maintaining their momentum. Patidar, having missed the recent clash against the Punjab Kings due to a concussion, is working toward a return to full fitness. Fans and analysts alike are waiting to see if the captain will be back in the starting XI for the crucial upcoming encounter against the Sunrisers Hyderabad. Regardless of the individual challenges, the culture of trust and preparation instilled by Patidar, influenced by du Plessis and Pandit, has positioned RCB as the team to beat once again.
