RCB Captain Rajat Patidar Praises Team Bonding and Preparation, Calls Current Bowling Unit Best So Far

"Even those outside the playing XI show initiative, communicate freely, and enjoy themselves. The atmosphere is very positive, and with the good results we've been getting, everything seems to be falling into place," Patidar said on JioStar's special programme Superstars.

Hyderabad: “The vibe and environment in the dressing room is really good. We have great team bonding activities and work well together, which helps us get to know each other better,” Royal Challengers Bengaluru captain Rajat Patidar said.

” Even beyond the playing XI, the rest of the squad takes initiative, communicates openly, and has fun. It’s a positive atmosphere, and since we’re getting good results, everything feels like it’s going well,” Patidar said on JioStar special programme ‘Superstars’.

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“Whenever we play away games, we don’t go in thinking we’ll definitely win. But what has worked is that every player has played their role well and assessed the conditions and situations smartly — the surface, the bowlers, the opposition, ” Patidar said.

“We’ve also discussed worst-case scenarios in our team meetings, so the preparation has been solid. That’s why the results have been good. RCB’s batting has always been a strong point over the years,” he said.

“In T20 games, having good, experienced bowlers who understand how to bowl in specific situations helps a lot. Your bowling group can win you matches — and even the title. I think this year, we prepared well and picked players based on what we needed in specific areas,” Patidar said.

” It’s worked out well, and I believe this has been our best bowling unit so far,” he said.

“You gain confidence when you’re part of a batting group with quality players from top to bottom, all performing well. They’re experts in their respective slots, so there are no doubts,” Patidar said.

“That gives you confidence as a captain. The way we’re playing this year, no one questions our approach. Everyone knows their role and is executing it well. That’s a very positive sign,” he said.

“I think I was around 7 or 8 years old. I started playing cricket just for fun—like everyone in India who loves the game. That’s where my journey began. It was my grandfather who got me admitted to an academy. I initially started as a bowler when I was about 15 or 16. But after a while, my coach felt I could bat well and advised me to focus more on batting.,” Patidar said about his cricketing journey.

“That’s when I shifted my mindset. My coach, Amay Khurasiya, really helped refine my batting technique—I learnt a lot from him. There was an open tournament in Jabalpur when I was around 14,” he said.

“I was the youngest and shortest in the team—I don’t even know how I managed to play. But I remember someone came and gave me a prize. It was my very first award, and I still have it. My grandfather gave it to me,” Patidar explained.