Rajat Patidar, the newly crowned Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) skipper, called it a “great opportunity” to lead the side in the IPL 2025 season and said that learning from someone like Virat Kohli made it all the more special. As RCB lifted their maiden IPL trophy after an agonising 18-year wait, Patidar humbly reflected on the journey and praised Kohli, saying no one deserved the moment more than him.
In a packed Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, Patidar stood tall, leading from the front both tactically and emotionally. As the Bengaluru crowd erupted with chants of “Ee Sala Cup Namdu,” Patidar’s tribute to Kohli struck an even deeper chord.
“It’s really special for me, for Virat Kohli, and all our fans. The ones who have stood by us for years deserve this. For me, captaining Kohli has been an incredible learning experience. He deserves this title more than anyone else,” Rajat Patidar said at the post-match presentation, earning one of the loudest cheers of the night.
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Patidar also offered insight into the game’s dynamics, noting that 190 was a competitive total given the sluggish nature of the surface.
While questions had been raised mid-innings over RCB’s scoring rate, Patidar pointed out that Punjab Kings faced similar struggles during their chase. “We believed 190 was a good score on this slow pitch. The bowlers stuck to the plan and executed it brilliantly,” he added.
Despite solid starts from Mayank Agarwal, Liam Livingstone, and Patidar himself, none of them converted their innings into a big one. But RCB’s bowlers rose to the occasion. Phil Salt’s early dismissal by Kyle Jamieson had an impact, but the middle-order held their nerve.
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Rajat Patidar reserved special praise for Krunal Pandya, whose match-winning figures of 2 for 17 sealed the game. “Krunal is a genuine wicket-taker. I turn to him in crunch situations. Suyash and our pace attack have been superb all season. Tonight, Shepherd delivered the breakthrough we needed,” said the RCB captain, signing off a historic night with humility and pride.
