Rajat Patidar on Virat Kohli’s Influence and Crafting His Own RCB Captaincy
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have been the team to beat in the ongoing IPL 2026. As the defending champions, having secured their historic maiden title last year, RCB became the very first team to book their spot in the IPL 2026 playoffs. At the center of this stellar run is their captain, Rajat Patidar, who has excelled both as a tactical leader and an explosive batter. Patidar has amassed 337 runs at an average of 33.70, boasting a blistering strike rate of nearly 193 in the tournament so far.
Despite his skyrocketing success and the massive responsibility of leading one of the most popular franchises in T20 cricket, Patidar remains grounded. In a recent interview, the RCB skipper opened up about his ultimate inspiration, his approach to leadership, and the individuals who have shaped his cricketing journey.
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The Ultimate Idol: Rajat Patidar on Virat Kohli‘s Impact
For anyone playing for Royal Challengers Bengaluru, the presence of Virat Kohli is monumental. For Patidar, Kohli is not just a teammate but his ultimate idol. The RCB captain confessed his immense respect for the former India captain, highlighting Kohli’s unparalleled energy on the field as his favorite attribute.
Ahead of RCB’s highly anticipated clash against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on May 22, Patidar made it clear that his admiration for Kohli is absolute. “I like his energy. There is nothing I don’t like. He’s my idol,” Patidar stated. This heartfelt confession underscores the profound impact Kohli continues to have on the dressing room, serving as a beacon of motivation for the entire squad.
Facing the Best: The Toughest Bowlers in the Game
As an aggressive top-order batter who has dominated IPL 2026 with a strike rate near 193, Patidar has faced some of the finest bowling talents in the world. When asked to identify the toughest bowlers to face in modern cricket, the Madhya Pradesh star did not hesitate to name two of the most formidable names in the sport.
Patidar singled out India’s premier fast bowler, Jasprit Bumrah, and the West Indies’ legendary mystery spinner, Sunil Narine, as his toughest opponents. Bumrah’s lethal accuracy and deceptive pace, combined with Narine’s tricky variations and tight lines, make them the ultimate test for any batter in the T20 format.
Carving a Unique Leadership Path
Leading Royal Challengers Bengaluru is one of the highest-pressure jobs in Indian cricket. The franchise has previously been led by legendary figures of the game, including Rahul Dravid, Anil Kumble, and Virat Kohli. While Patidar respects the rich legacy of those who came before him, he has made a conscious decision not to copy their captaincy styles.
Instead of trying to replicate his predecessors, Patidar is focused on creating his own unique brand of leadership. By staying true to his natural instincts, he has successfully managed to keep RCB at the top of the IPL 2026 points table, proving that his distinct approach is highly effective.
The Influence of Faf du Plessis
While Patidar is carving his own path, he acknowledges that former South African captain Faf du Plessis played a pivotal role in shaping his leadership mindset. Du Plessis, who previously captained RCB, left a lasting impression on how a leader should manage a diverse squad.
Patidar revealed that he learned the art of player management from Du Plessis. “It was crucial not to copy any of the predecessors,” Patidar explained. “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 inclusive approach has helped Patidar build a cohesive dressing room environment where every player feels valued.
Tactical Evolution Under Chandrakant Pandit
Beyond international stars, Patidar credits domestic coaching legend Chandrakant Pandit for his tactical growth. Working with the former Madhya Pradesh coach and ex-KKR head coach taught Patidar the importance of meticulous preparation and in-depth study of the opposition.
Reflecting on the lessons learned from Pandit, Patidar expressed deep gratitude for the veteran coach’s guidance. “Chandu sir taught me how meticulously you can prepare for a cricket game and how deeply you can study it. He has played for 20 years and then coached for another 20. His tactical strength was eye-opening for me,” Patidar remarked. These tactical insights have clearly paid dividends, helping Patidar transition seamlessly from a premier batter into a highly analytical captain.
With the IPL 2026 playoffs looming, Rajat Patidar’s combination of explosive batting, respectful learning, and analytical leadership has positioned RCB as strong contenders to retain their title.
