“It feels superb”: Rajat Patidar Rajat ecstatic as RCB clinch back-to-back IPL titles
A Historic Triumph in Ahmedabad
The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have etched their names into the history books of the Indian Premier League. Under the astute leadership of Rajat Patidar, the franchise has successfully defended their title, becoming only the third team in league history—joining the illustrious ranks of the Chennai Super Kings and the Mumbai Indians—to clinch back-to-back IPL championships. The victory at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad was a testament to the team’s tactical discipline and unwavering mental fortitude.
Dominance from the First Ball
The final showdown against the Gujarat Titans was expected to be a grueling battle, especially given the home advantage held by the Titans. However, the momentum clearly favored the men in red and black. Rajat Patidar, reading the tricky nature of the pitch correctly, elected to bowl first, a decision that paid immediate dividends. The RCB bowling unit, characterized by precision and aggression, dismantled the Gujarat top order early, keeping the home side under constant pressure.
The Gujarat Titans struggled to build any significant partnerships, eventually posting a total of 155 runs for the loss of 8 wickets in their allotted 20 overs. While Washington Sundar provided some resistance with an unbeaten 50 off 37 balls, the RCB bowlers were relentless. Rasikh Salam proved to be the standout performer, claiming 3 wickets for just 27 runs in his 4 overs, while the experienced duo of Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood chipped in with two wickets apiece to strangle the opposition’s scoring rate.
The Chase-Master Steps Up
Chasing a target of 156 on a surface that required careful navigation, RCB began their second innings with a cautious approach. Venkatesh Iyer and Virat Kohli provided a flying start, neutralizing the initial threat posed by the Gujarat bowlers. Despite losing quick wickets in the middle overs—including Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar, and Krunal Pandya—the team remained calm.
Virat Kohli, true to his reputation as the definitive ‘chase-master,’ stood tall. Supported by a vital contribution from Tim David, Kohli steered the innings with poise and authority. He remained unbeaten on 75 off just 42 deliveries, a masterclass featuring nine boundaries and three towering sixes. RCB crossed the finish line with 12 balls and 5 wickets to spare, securing their second consecutive trophy.
Rajat Patidar Reflects on the Journey
In the aftermath of the victory, the atmosphere within the RCB camp was electric. Reflecting on the achievement, captain Rajat Patidar struggled to find words to capture the significance of the moment. “It feels superb,” Patidar remarked. “When we came here, there were a lot of memories from last year. It was clear planning. When we won the toss, it was easy to chase. The way Bhuvi, Hazlewood, Rasikh, KP Suyash, and Shepherd bowled throughout the tournament was phenomenal.”
Patidar further shared his personal journey, admitting that leading the side to back-to-back titles was beyond his wildest dreams. He credited the team culture and the inputs from senior players like Dinesh Karthik for his success. “I never dreamt of becoming the captain of RCB and lifting the trophy. I think it was written. We were slightly more confident than last year. Everywhere we went, it felt like a home ground because of the incredible support from our fans.”
A Legacy Cemented
The 2026 season will be remembered as the year Royal Challengers Bengaluru solidified their status as an IPL dynasty. Through rigorous pre-tournament preparation and an ability to analyze conditions effectively, the team transformed from contenders into champions. With this victory, the franchise has not only rewarded the faith of their loyal fanbase but has also set a high benchmark for the seasons to come. As the celebrations begin in Bengaluru, one thing is certain: this RCB side is built on a foundation of resilience, strategic brilliance, and the indomitable spirit of their talisman, Virat Kohli.
