Dominance is mindset, adaptability is strength, says Rajat Patidar

RCB captain Rajat Patidar said adaptability and clear thinking are key to the team’s strong start this season. He highlighted mental clarity, leadership approach, and team communication as crucial factors behind their consistent performances

Hyderabad: “Dominance is our mindset, but adaptability is our strength”: RCB captain Rajat Patidar on leading from the front.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru have begun their title defence in red-hot form under captain Rajat Patidar.

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The skipper credited the team’s success to a clear but flexible approach built on intent and awareness, with RCB collecting eight points from six games so far this season.

“Dominance is our mindset, but we don’t want to be rigid. We want to assess the situation and adapt. That flexibility is very important for us as a batting unit.”

The RCB skipper has been in scintillating form this season, amassing 230 runs in six games at a strike rate of 212.96, including 22 sixes, the second-highest tally in the competition so far.

Speaking about his evolution as a batter, Patidar said the biggest shift came mentally before any technical changes.

“The biggest change in my batting has come from the mind. How I see the game, how I see myself in a situation, and how I want to dominate, everything started from there.”

He said that once he gained clarity mentally, technical adjustments followed naturally.

“I worked on a few trigger movements and discussed it with DK. Once I was convinced, I didn’t want to hold back in matches. That clarity helped me execute better.”

On RCB’s aggressive batting template, Patidar said: “There is no fixed plan that I will play a certain way. If I feel I can dominate a bowler, I go for it. It is more instinct than planning.”

Patidar also highlighted the importance of clear communication within partnerships.

“If someone feels they can dominate a bowler, they take responsibility, even if it means not rotating strike. The idea is to keep the bowler under pressure.”

Reflecting on his leadership style, Patidar described himself as a captain who prioritises his bowlers’ mindset.

“I see myself as a bowling captain. In T20 cricket, bowlers are always under pressure, so I try to keep them in a good space and not show too many reactions.”

On learning from senior players, Patidar credited his time observing experienced teammates.

“I have learnt a lot by observing players like Virat bhai. The biggest thing is to stay in the present and focus only on what is in your control.”

Speaking about the team’s title-winning campaign last year, Patidar said the magnitude of the achievement truly hit him only after witnessing the fans’ emotions.

“When we won, it felt special, but when I saw the fans and their reactions, I realised something big had happened. That is when it really sank in.”

He also spoke about handling pressure during last year’s final.

“In the last over, even though we knew we were close, there was still a thought that something could go wrong. That pressure is natural in such moments.”

On captaincy, Patidar said his approach is rooted in staying true to his personality.

“I am not very expressive by nature. I try to stay calm and think clearly in every situation. I don’t want to change who I am as a person.”

He also emphasised the importance of creating a comfortable environment for all players.

“Whether it is a senior player or someone new, everyone should feel equally important. That helps them settle and perform better.”

On handling expectations and outside noise, Patidar said he prefers to stay detached from external narratives.

“I don’t think about selection or what people are saying. I focus on what I can do in the present. That gives me clarity and calmness.”

Looking ahead, Patidar said RCB’s focus remains on continuing their approach rather than getting carried away by past success.

“As champions, every team will come harder at us. But for us, it is about staying in the present, focusing on our process, and controlling what we can,” Patidar said.