Ravichandran Ashwin compares Rajat Patidar-Virat Kohli relationship to Ramayan as RCB win IPL 2026
A Tactical Triumph in Ahmedabad
The IPL 2026 season concluded in dramatic fashion at the Narendra Modi Stadium, where Royal Challengers Bengaluru successfully defended their crown against the Gujarat Titans. In a contest that showcased both clinical bowling and an aggressive batting display, RCB emerged victorious by five wickets, chasing down a target of 156 with two overs to spare. While the scorecard highlights the victory, the underlying narrative of the match was the unique leadership chemistry between captain Rajat Patidar and the talismanic Virat Kohli.
The Ramayan Analogy
In a detailed breakdown on his YouTube channel, Ravichandran Ashwin provided a fascinating insight into the team dynamics within the RCB camp. The veteran spinner noted that Ravichandran Ashwin compares Rajat Patidar-Virat Kohli relationship to Ramayan as he observed the team huddle before the final. Ashwin drew a poignant parallel to the epic tale, suggesting that Patidar showed immense maturity by allowing Kohli to take the lead in motivating the squad, much like Bharat honoring Ram in the Ramayan.
“Even ahead of today’s match, it was Virat talking in the huddle. The partnership is like, ‘Big brother, you take care of the team, I’m just the captain.’ You run this team, but I will just be the leader. Like what Bharat did with Ram’s slippers in Ramayan, Rajat did that here. The way Virat was talking, Rajat Patidar was watching him with the team, literally giving that space to Virat,” Ashwin remarked.
Kohli’s Alpha Presence
Ashwin further emphasized that Virat Kohli’s influence extends far beyond the designation of captaincy. According to the spinner, Kohli remains an “alpha” figure in any dressing room he enters. This was evident throughout the 2026 season, where Kohli finished as one of the tournament’s leading run-scorers, accumulating 675 runs at an impressive strike rate of 165.84. In the final itself, his unbeaten 75 off 42 balls was the cornerstone of the successful chase, proving once again his ability to perform under the highest pressure.
Bowling Dominance and Strategic Oversight
The match was set up by a disciplined bowling performance. After winning the toss and opting to field, RCB restricted Gujarat Titans to 155/8. Rasikh Dar Salam was the standout performer, claiming figures of 3/27, while experienced campaigners like Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood kept the opposition on a tight leash. Their ability to pick up wickets at regular intervals ensured that the Gujarat Titans never gained enough momentum to set a daunting total.
However, Ashwin did not shy away from critiquing a rare strategic error. He pointed out that handing the first over to Jacob Duffy was a mistake, as the bowler leaked 13 runs, creating early pressure on the bowling unit. Aside from this lapse, Ashwin lauded the team’s tactical execution, noting that once the initial nerves were settled, the RCB unit operated with near-perfect precision for the remainder of the game.
Looking Ahead
The victory marks a golden era for Royal Challengers Bengaluru. By successfully defending their title, the franchise has solidified its status as a powerhouse in modern cricket. The symbiosis between Patidar’s tactical humility and Kohli’s natural leadership has proven to be a winning formula. As the dust settles on the IPL 2026 season, the focus remains on how this team, buoyed by such strong cultural foundations, will approach the future challenges of the domestic T20 circuit.
The partnership between the seasoned veteran and the current captain serves as a blueprint for team management in high-pressure environments. By acknowledging the different roles players play—whether through explicit leadership or influential mentorship—RCB has demonstrated that success is as much about the spirit in the huddle as it is about the runs on the board.
