Rajat Patidar credits confidence and teamwork after RCB retain IPL title

Rajat Patidar credited confidence, planning and collective effort after Royal Challengers Bengaluru retained the IPL title with a five-wicket win over Gujarat Titans. The skipper also praised Virat Kohli's leadership qualities and highlighted the team's strong mindset throughout the campaign.

Hyderabad: Rajat Patidar led Royal Challengers Bengaluru from the front to help the team retain the IPL trophy with a five-wicket win against Gujarat Titans in the final at Ahmedabad on Sunday night. “It feels superb [to win back-to-back titles]. When we came here, there were a lot of memories of the last year, the way we played last year. But at the same time, we had to be more in the present. I don’t have words to express, but I’m feeling good,” Patidar said. “It was clear when we won the toss that chasing would be easy.

Our plan was to get their top three in the powerplay, so that it’s easy for us. And our bowlers bowled brilliantly, not only in this match but throughout the tournament,” the victorious captain said. Patidar, who played some of the best innings in this IPL, said: “To be honest, I never dreamed of being a captain and lifting a trophy for RCB. I think it was all written, and I’m grateful for it. Last year, there was a lot of pressure because it was the first year for us, and this year, I think we were pretty much confident because of the way we played in this tournament.” “Everyone was looking in a good frame of mind. It was good to see the fans who are coming wherever we go. It was like a home ground for us, so I think overall it was great for our city,” a visibly delighted Patidar said.

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“The pre-tournament prep was very good for me. I tried to analyse which are the shots that I can improve on, against fast bowlers especially. I think whenever I see him [Kohli] on the field and off the field also, he is always there for the team. He is always there for the players, especially the new players who are coming in. They have a lot of hesitation to speak, but he goes straightaway and talks to them,” he explained.