Rajat Patidar Credits Virat Kohli’s Support as Key to RCB Captaincy Success

Rajat Patidar has openly discussed the pivotal role Virat Kohli played in his development as the Royal Challengers Bengaluru captain, emphasizing that having his idol’s backing provided him with unwavering confidence. Patidar was appointed RCB captain ahead of the IPL 2025 season and led the team to a championship that year, ending the franchise’s 18-year drought by defeating Punjab Kings. He followed this triumph with another title in 2026, guiding RCB to a five-wicket victory over Gujarat Titans at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on June 2. This achievement marked Patidar as only the third captain in IPL history to secure consecutive titles, joining MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma in this elite company.

“If your idol backs you, then you don’t need anything more. You don’t need anyone else’s support. I used to notice everything about him when he batted. From what he did on the ground to what his routine was off the field. Later, I came to know he backed me a lot, including when it came to captaincy,” Patidar said in an interview with Sports Launchpad, as quoted by NDTV.

The Impact of Kohli’s Encouragement

Patidar described Kohli as his lifelong idol, and learning that such a respected figure had championed his ascension to captaincy carried profound significance. Retained by RCB for Rs 11 crore ahead of the 2025 season, Patidar’s appointment came under intense scrutiny given the franchise’s passionate fanbase and their prolonged struggle for success.

Patidar justified that trust through decisive leadership and impactful performances. In 2026, he emerged as RCB’s second-highest run-scorer, amassing 501 runs at a dynamic strike rate of 192.69. Operating effectively in the middle order, he orchestrated aggressive run-chases and neutralized spin threats, ensuring the team’s momentum during crucial phases of the tournament.

Kohli’s Broader Influence on Patidar’s Development

Apart from endorsing his captaincy, Patidar acknowledged Kohli’s mentorship in refining his skills and leadership acumen within the RCB ecosystem. He credited Kohli with recognizing potential he was unaware of himself.

“It is not easy to hand someone the RCB captaincy, considering the fans and the expectations. He must have seen something in me. I don’t know what, but I have received a lot of support from him in the team, as a player and as a captain,” Patidar stated.

Source link