Rajat Patidar raising captaincy standards at RCB: Dinesh Karthik lauds leadership
Royal Challengers Bengaluru batting coach Dinesh Karthik has heaped praise on skipper Rajat Patidar, crediting him for elevating leadership standards at the franchise during IPL 2026. Patidar, who led RCB to their maiden title last season, has continued to impress both as a batter and captain in the ongoing campaign.
Speaking ahead of RCB’s clash against the Delhi Capitals, Karthik highlighted Patidar’s calm approach and growing influence within the team.
“Rajat Patidar is constantly upping his standards. He is calm, thoughtful, and you can see that in the way he bats.
He has the respect in the room and handles his bowlers well. Under pressure, he stays composed and makes good decisions,” Karthik said in the pre-match press conference.
Patidar’s leadership has been central to RCB’s strong start this season, with the team maintaining its aggressive identity while also showing control in key moments.
HOW HAS RAJAT PATIDAR BEEN IN IPL 2026?
Patidar’s impact this season has gone beyond captaincy. With the bat, he has been one of RCB’s most consistent performers, scoring 238 runs in his first seven matches at a striking rate of over 210.
What stands out is his intent from ball one. Unlike traditional middle-order anchors, Patidar does not take time to settle. He looks to impose himself early, often hitting a boundary within his first few deliveries. That approach has helped RCB consistently push past the 200-run mark this season.
There is also a clear pattern in RCB’s results tied to his rhythm. In games where Patidar got going early against teams like Sunrisers Hyderabad, Chennai Super Kings, Mumbai Indians, and Lucknow Super Giants, RCB dominated proceedings. But in matches where he failed to build momentum, such as against Rajasthan Royals and Delhi, the team struggled to maintain its edge.
While it may not be entirely dependent on one player, Patidar’s tempo has clearly shaped RCB’s batting identity. When he is in control, the innings flows. When he isn’t, the intensity dips.
His adaptability has also been evident beyond T20s. In the recent Ranji Trophy season, he scored 266 runs in seven innings for Madhya Pradesh at an average of 44.33, underlining his ability to switch formats effectively.
With five wins from seven matches, RCB currently sit second on the points table, and much of that consistency can be traced back to Patidar’s dual role as a leader and a high-impact batter.
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