New Delhi: 

Patidar led RCB to their maiden IPL title in 18 years. They had lost in the final three times on previous occasions but on their fourth attempt they could finally take the trophy in their hands after beating Punjab Kings in the final.

 In his first year as Royal Challengers Bengaluru skipper, Rajat Patidar has achieved what none of the other six full-time captains could do.

Speaking about his journey as a skipper after winning 10 of their 13 matches under him in the 2025 edition, Patidar said he is glad to have got the opportunity to lead a team that has Virat Kohli.

Kohli led RCB from 2011 to 2023 but couldn’t guide them to the championship though as a batter he remains as influential as ever. With 657 runs including eight fifties, he finished the 2025 campaign as their highest run-scorer.

RCB defeated PBKS by six runs in Ahmedabad on Tuesday after scoring 190/9 and restricting their opponents to 184/7.

The right hand batter said the 190 on the sluggish Motera trip was a tricky score to chase down as he lauded player of the match Krunal Pandya (2/17) for his contribution in the middle overs of PBKS’ chase.

“After the Qualifier, we thought that we can go through. I think 190 was a good score on this track as it was a bit slow. Bowlers executing their plans was tremendous to watch.

“Krunal is a wicket-taking bowler. I look for him whenever we need wickets. Suyash (Sharma) and the pacers were good all season. (Romaio) Shepherd gave the key wicket tonight,” he added.

“It is really special for me, for Virat Kohli, and all the fans. Those who have supported for years, they all deserve it. It’s a great opportunity for me and a great learning for me to captain Kohli, he deserves it more than anyone else,” Patidar said.

Read More:

Snowfall in higher altitude cools plain areas, mercury drops