Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) captain Rajat Patidar has named franchise legend Chris Gayle as the best T20 batter of all time. Patidar made his choice during a conversation on the Sports Launchpad YouTube channel in the ‘Winner Stays On’ segment, where he was asked to select between some of the biggest names in T20 cricket. Patidar initially backed India veteran Rohit Sharma ahead of players such as Jos Buttler, Suresh Raina, Faf du Plessis, Shane Watson, Glenn Maxwell and David Warner.
However, he later switched his choice to former South Africa star AB de Villiers, continuing to back him against legendary names including Sachin Tendulkar, Sanath Jayasuriya, Matthew Hayden and MS Dhoni. The final choice came down to two former RCB greats, AB de Villiers and Chris Gayle. Patidar ultimately selected Gayle, underlining the Jamaican’s extraordinary record and impact in the shortest format. Gayle scored 4,965 runs in 142 IPL matches, with 31 fifties and six centuries.
During his time with RCB, the explosive left-hander accumulated 3,163 runs in 85 matches at an average of 43.33 and a staggering strike rate of 152.73. He also registered 19 fifties and five centuries for the franchise. Across his T20 career, Gayle played 463 matches and amassed 14,562 runs at an average of 36.22 and a strike rate of 144.75. His tally included 88 fifties and 22 centuries, highlighting why he remains one of the most dominant batters in T20 history.
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During the same conversation, Rajat Patidar also spoke about his close association with Virat Kohli and revealed how closely he observed the former India captain during his early days with RCB. Patidar said he paid attention to Kohli’s approach both on and off the field and later learned that Kohli played an important role in supporting his appointment as RCB captain ahead of the 2025 IPL season.
“If your idol backs you, then you don’t need anything more. You don’t need anyone else’s support. I used to notice everything about him when he batted. I mean, from what he did on the ground to what his routine was like off the field, I noticed everything.” Patidar added that Kohli’s backing meant even more given the enormous expectations surrounding the RCB captaincy. “He must have seen something in me, I don’t know what, but I have received a lot of support from him in the team.”
The RCB captain further praised Kohli for his willingness to guide teammates, saying the former India skipper is always available to help players, regardless of their experience or nationality.
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“Even when I was just a player, he supported me a lot. Whenever I look at him, you know, I feel that he is always ready to help any player.” Patidar also highlighted Kohli’s vast experience and ability to provide solutions whenever teammates need advice. According to him, Kohli has supported not only Indian players but also overseas stars in the RCB dressing room. Under Patidar’s captaincy, RCB have enjoyed a remarkable run, winning back-to-back IPL titles in 2025 and 2026, with Kohli remaining an important part of the franchise.
