“It feels superb”: Rajat Patidar Rajat ecstatic as RCB clinch back-to-back IPL t
A Historic Triumph for Royal Challengers Bengaluru
In a spectacular display of cricketing prowess, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have etched their name into the history books by securing consecutive Indian Premier League (IPL) titles. Under the astute captaincy of Rajat Patidar, the Bengaluru franchise has become only the third team in the league’s history to successfully defend their trophy, joining the illustrious company of the Chennai Super Kings and the Mumbai Indians.
The IPL 2026 final, held at the daunting Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, served as the theater for this monumental achievement. Facing the Gujarat Titans on their home turf, RCB demonstrated the calm and composure of true champions, effectively neutralizing the home-field advantage with superior tactical planning and execution.
Domination with the Ball
Captain Rajat Patidar’s decision to bowl first proved to be a masterstroke. The pitch, which appeared tricky from the onset, demanded disciplined bowling, and the RCB attack delivered exactly that. With a clear focus on dismantling the Gujarat Titans’ explosive top order, RCB bowlers maintained relentless pressure throughout the innings.
The Gujarat Titans struggled to gain momentum, managing only 155 runs for the loss of 8 wickets in their allotted 20 overs. While Washington Sundar provided some resistance with a defiant, unbeaten 50 off 37 deliveries, the rest of the batting unit struggled against the disciplined line and length of the RCB bowlers. Rasikh Salam was the standout performer, claiming an impressive 3 wickets for 27 runs in his 4-over spell. He received excellent support from veterans Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood, each of whom picked up two crucial wickets to stifle any potential recovery by the Titans.
The Chase Master Steps Up
Chasing 156 for victory, RCB required a steady hand to navigate the pressure of a final. Venkatesh Iyer and Virat Kohli provided a flying start, silencing the home crowd early on. Although the Gujarat Titans managed a brief resurgence by picking up the wickets of Iyer, Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar, and Krunal Pandya in quick succession, the foundation had already been laid.
At the center of it all was the legendary Virat Kohli. Playing with his trademark aggression tempered by extreme focus, Kohli anchored the innings with a brilliant, unbeaten 75 off 42 balls. His innings was studded with nine boundaries and three towering sixes, proving once again why he remains the ultimate ‘chase-master’ in modern cricket. Supported by Tim David, Kohli saw the team home with 12 balls to spare, sealing a 5-wicket victory.
Rajat Patidar’s Emotional Reaction
Reflecting on the victory, a visibly moved Rajat Patidar shared his thoughts on the historic achievement. “It feels superb. When we came here there was a lot of memories of last year. I don’t have words to express but feeling very good,” Patidar stated. He credited the team’s success to rigorous planning and the cohesive effort of his bowling unit.
Patidar also opened up about his journey as captain, admitting that the role was something he had never dared to dream of. “I never dreamt of becoming the captain of RCB and lifting the trophy. I think it was written. Grateful for that,” he added. He expressed deep gratitude for the guidance of the team management and specifically mentioned the helpful inputs from Dinesh Karthik, highlighting the spirit of camaraderie that propelled RCB to the top of the table.
As the curtains close on the 2026 season, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru stand tall as a symbol of consistency and excellence. With back-to-back titles in the bag, the franchise has solidified its status as a powerhouse in the IPL, leaving fans eager to see if this golden run will continue in the years to come.
