Rajat Patidar says RCB batting depth gives confidence after win

RCB captain Rajat Patidar expressed confidence in his team after a win over Mumbai Indians, highlighting strong batting performances and key bowling contributions from Rasik and Krunal Pandya ahead of their return to Chinnaswamy Stadium

Hyderabad: Rajat Patidar, captain of the defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru, said that at the moment it feels like they are scoring 200-plus in every match.

“It gives me a lot of confidence and as a captain, I feel that I have a lot of talent in the team,” he said after RCB defeated Mumbai Indians in Mumbai on Sunday night.

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Captain Rajat Patidar scored a 17-ball 50, which is the fastest fifty for a captain in the tournament’s history. Speaking about his batting approach, he said: “I don’t really think too much about how I want to play. I try to react to the ball and stay clear about what I want to do, which shot I want to hit and which bowler I want to target. Even in the dugout, I try to read where the scoring opportunities are.”

All-rounder Krunal Pandya praised the platform set up by the batting unit. “Every game you have to earn that win. The way everyone is batting, Virat, Salty, Tim, everyone has contributed. I’m especially happy for Salty, the way he counter-attacked in the powerplay. That set us up really well,” he said.

Assessing the effort from the bowling unit, Patidar said:

“Even with 200 on the board, there is always pressure due to dew and conditions. I thought Bhuvi bhai and Jacob started very well and executed the plan.”

The skipper identified Rasik’s spell of 1/23 as a turning point in the game:

“The turning point for me was Rasik. The way he planned, the slower balls, the yorkers, it gave me confidence. After his first over, I felt he could change the game.”

Speaking about Krunal’s contribution with the ball, Patidar said:

“K.P. is the most courageous bowler I have ever seen. He has so many skills. He keeps the batsman in doubt about the next ball. This is his strength. He bowls with a lot of confidence. He is not afraid to do anything.”

Looking ahead to RCB’s return home, Patidar said: “Very excited to go back to Chinnaswamy and play with our 12-man army.”