Patidar: Mindset is the same as last year’s final for IPL 2026
Approaching the Pinnacle of IPL 2026
As the cricketing world turns its gaze toward Ahmedabad for the IPL 2026 final, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) captain Rajat Patidar finds himself in a familiar position. Yet, despite the potential for this match to define his legacy or influence his standing in the international hierarchy, Patidar remains remarkably grounded. There is no talk of T20I captaincy aspirations or the burden of history; instead, the focus remains squarely on the game at hand.
A Consistent Approach
Patidar has been clear about his philosophy throughout his tenure. When asked about his leadership style and the pressure of following in the footsteps of legends, he brushed off the comparisons. “I’ve never thought about what other captains have done before or whether I want to compete with someone,” Patidar remarked during a pre-match training session. “As an individual, my journey has had its ups and downs, but I’ve never focused on legacy. Wherever I am, I focus on what I can do best in that moment.’
This unwavering focus has served the captain and his team well. Since taking over the reins in 2025 and leading the side to a title in his debut season, he has refused to let the captaincy alter his personality. He credits the RCB management and senior players for providing a supportive environment that allows him to remain authentic. “It’s important to be yourself,” he added. “Just because I’m captain doesn’t mean I need to become someone different. The management has never forced me to be anyone else.’
The Mindset of a Champion
The defining question ahead of the final is whether the experience of winning last year changes the team’s outlook. For Patidar, the answer is simple. “Patidar: Mindset is the same as last year’s final,” he emphasized when discussing the team’s preparation. “We’re not thinking like defending champions. We don’t see it as defending something we won in 2025. It’s a new season and a new opportunity. Our mindset is that we’re here to win another title.’
This philosophy of staying in the present has trickled down to the entire squad, which has now reached five playoffs in six seasons. It represents a significant cultural shift within the RCB dressing room: they are no longer satisfied with merely qualifying; the objective is to compete in and win finals.
Empowering the Next Generation
One of the most notable aspects of Patidar’s leadership is his dedication to mentoring younger players. Having burst onto the scene himself in 2021, he recalls the nervousness and anxiety of playing alongside established stars. Now, he actively works to help the younger members of the RCB squad feel empowered and independent.
“I tell them it’s important to be yourself and trust your strengths,” he explained. “They don’t need to worry about who’s standing in front of them or who is in the dressing room. They’re here because they deserve to be here.”
A standout example of this development is Rasikh Dar, who has stepped up significantly in the absence of Yash Dayal. With 16 wickets this season, Dar has become a vital component of the attack. Patidar highlighted the importance of such contributions, noting that winning a tournament requires a collective effort rather than reliance on one or two individuals. “The way Rasikh has come in and provided breakthroughs has been very important. It’s been a genuine team effort,” he concluded.
The Road Ahead
As the final approaches, the narrative surrounding RCB is one of maturity and collective responsibility. Patidar believes this sense of individual accountability is the key to their recent success. Every player is hungry to contribute, whether with the bat or the ball. With the team united in purpose and clear in their tactical approach, they head into the final not as a team looking to validate their past, but as a group determined to secure their future success on the biggest stage of them all.
