In a season that will be remembered for years, RCB head coach Andy Flower heaped praise on skipper Rajat Patidar, crediting his leadership as a key factor in Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s long-awaited IPL triumph. RCB finally ended their 18-year title drought on June 3 with a gripping six-run win over Punjab Kings in the final at the Narendra Modi Stadium.
At the heart of this historic moment was Patidar — a player with only four international caps — whose composure and clarity stood out in a high-pressure role.
Appointing Patidar as captain ahead of more experienced names raised eyebrows initially, but the 30-year-old silenced doubters with his cool-headed decisions, calm presence, and tactical awareness. Despite the enormity of captaining a star-studded franchise, Patidar never let the occasion affect his personality or performance.
WATCH – Swastik Chikara Recreates Virat Kohli’s Iconic Gangnam Style Dance During RCB’s Title Celebration
“One of the most impressive things about Rajat this season is how unaffected the pressures of captaincy be him,” Andy Flower told ESPNcricinfo. “His batting hasn’t dipped, and as a person, he’s the same humble, composed individual we’ve known. Leading RCB, especially with its stature and the scrutiny that comes with it, is no small task. But he’s done it with dignity and quiet confidence.”
Flower, who admitted struggling with leadership at a similar age during his own playing days, emphasised Patidar’s poise under pressure. “He’s led some massive names, taken tough decisions on the field, and done it all with a maturity beyond his experience. I’ve got immense respect for him.”
While Virat Kohli and Phil Salt dominated the headlines with their consistent run-scoring, Patidar quietly chipped in with impactful innings. He scored 312 runs at a strike rate of 143.77 and frequently provided the bridge between top-order aggression and late-order acceleration.
ALSO READ: Virat Kohli’s Maiden IPL Triumph Earns Praise from Sachin Tendulkar and Harry Kane
Importantly, he played through fitness niggles during the latter stages of the tournament and was instrumental in guiding RCB through a challenging playoff run. In a team filled with veterans and big-ticket players, it was the understated leadership and gritty contributions of Rajat Patidar that helped shape one of RCB’s most unforgettable seasons — and ultimately led them to IPL glory.
