Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) skipper shared an emotional reaction after leading the franchise to their second consecutive Indian Premier League (IPL) title. The Bengaluru-based outfit successfully defended their crown by defeating Gujarat Titans (GT) by five wickets in the IPL 2026 final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday, May 31.
Patidar, who was handed the captaincy ahead of the season, etched his name into the franchise's history books by becoming one of the few captains to guide RCB to IPL glory. Following the title-winning moment, the 33-year-old opened up on his remarkable journey and reflected on what the achievement meant to him.
Rajat Patidar opens up after leading RCB to IPL 2026 title
Speaking after the victory, Patidar admitted that lifting the trophy as RCB captain was something he had never imagined and credited the team's preparation, bowlers, support staff, and passionate fanbase for the memorable triumph.
The RCB skipper said:
"It feels superb. When we came here there was a lot of memories of last year. I don't have words to express but feeling very good. It was clear planning. When we win the toss, it was easy to chase. The way Bhuvi, Hazlewood, Rasikh, KP Suyash and Shepherd, they bowled really well throughout the tournament. I never dreamt of becoming the captain of RCB and lifting the trophy. I think it was written. Grateful for that. We were slightly more confident than last year. Everywhere it felt like a home ground for us with the fans coming in. The pre tournament prep was very good for me. I tried to analyze which shots are good for me. I got so many inputs from DK, which were helpful for me. He (Virat Kohli) is always there for the team. This one is for you again, RCB fans. Ee Sala nu Cup Namdu."
Patidar also reserved special praise for mentor and batting coach Dinesh Karthik, whose guidance helped him throughout the campaign.
RCB complete successful title defence against GT
Earlier in the match, RCB's bowlers produced a clinical display to restrict GT to 155/9 in their allotted 20 overs. Washington Sundar top-scored for GT with a fighting half-century, scoring 50 off 37 deliveries.
The Titans' top-order struggled to make an impact, with Sai Sudarshan managing 12 off 12 balls, Shubman Gill scoring 10 off eight deliveries, and Jos Buttler contributing 19 off 23.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar picked up two wickets, while Josh Hazlewood and Rasikh Salam Dar claimed two and three wickets respectively. Krunal Pandya also chipped in with a wicket as RCB maintained control throughout the innings.
Chasing 156, RCB got off to a flying start thanks to openers Virat Kohli and Venkatesh Iyer. The duo stitched together a 62-run partnership in just 27 deliveries before Iyer departed after a quickfire 32 off 16 balls.
Kohli anchored the chase brilliantly from one end and remained unbeaten on 75 off 42 deliveries. The batting superstar fittingly sealed the victory with a six on the final ball of the 18th over, helping RCB secure a five-wicket win and their second IPL trophy in succession.
With the triumph, RCB became only the third franchise in IPL history after Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Mumbai Indians (MI) to win back-to-back IPL titles.