Former India cricketer Ambati Rayudu has lavished praise on Royal Challengers Bengaluru skipper Rajat Patidar, crediting his fearless batting and proactive leadership as key factors behind the team’s strong run in IPL 2026. Patidar has emerged as a standout performer this season, particularly for the way he has transformed the tempo of RCB’s middle overs.

In five matches so far, the right-hander has scored 222 runs at a stunning strike rate of 213.46, numbers that underline his aggressive mindset. At a stage where most teams tend to consolidate, Patidar has instead chosen to attack, ensuring that RCB maintain pressure on opposition bowlers. His approach has not only delivered results but has also set a clear template for the rest of the batting unit.

Rayudu believes that Patidar’s intent is influencing the entire lineup. Speaking on ESPNcricinfo, he pointed out how the captain’s aggressive mindset is rubbing off on his teammates.

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“They are going after every ball. The captain is doing that, so the team is following that tempo and template. Whenever you see Patidar walk in, he comes with a lot of intent. It is rubbing off on the non-striker as well as the batters who are following. It is refreshing to see RCB play that way,” Ambati Rayudu said.

He was particularly impressed with how RCB handled a tricky chase against Lucknow Super Giants on a slow pitch. Unlike LSG, who struggled to adapt, RCB’s batters adjusted smartly, showing the confidence to attack even good deliveries.

“Playing on a slow wicket, they adapted way better than Lucknow’s batters. They adjusted their shots and bat swing brilliantly. What stood out was their ability to hit sixes off good balls, not just loose deliveries. That’s a great sign,” Ambati Rayudu added.

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In that match, RCB restricted LSG to 146, with Rasikh Salam Dar starring with figures of 4/24. During the chase, Virat Kohli led the charge with a fluent 49, guiding RCB to a comfortable five-wicket win in 15.1 overs and helping them climb to the top of the points table.