Rajat Patidar recently shed light on the pivotal elements behind the Royal Challengers Bangalore’s (RCB) remarkable turnaround in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL). With RCB struggling after a dismal start, having won only one out of their first eight matches, the situation looked grim. Apart from the consistent Virat Kohli, the team lacked momentum, and victories seemed elusive.
However, under the leadership of Faf du Plessis, RCB scripted a magnificent resurgence, securing five consecutive wins and rekindling hopes of a playoff berth. Currently placed sixth on the points table, RCB faces a crucial final league match against Chennai Super Kings on May 18, needing a win to bolster their playoff chances.
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Rajat Patidar emphasized the pivotal role played by the franchise and team management in motivating the players during the turbulent times. Despite facing adversity, he highlighted the positive team environment, stressing the significance of resilience and unity. The ethos of ‘playing for pride’ emerged as a driving force behind RCB’s resurgence, instilling a sense of determination among the players.
“In challenging times, the unwavering support from the franchise and management instills confidence in players to perform their best on the field. The camaraderie within the team remained intact, fostering resilience even during tough phases. The collective resolve to play for pride fueled our resurgence, drawing inspiration from past achievements,” remarked Rajat Patidar during a media interaction on May 14.
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Rajat Patidar’s stellar contributions have been instrumental in RCB’s revival, amassing 320 runs from 11 innings in IPL 2024. With an impressive average of 29.09 and a staggering strike rate of 179.78, he has notched up five half-centuries, with three coming in the last five matches, showcasing his consistent form and invaluable contributions to the team’s success.