From the point of cricket, the IPL level of cricket Captaincy needs a sort of uncommon blend of abilities as far as any sort of batting average or strike rate. Requires the skill set to handle personalities larger than the player in question, tactical judgment in front of TV cameras, the ability to harness analytic skills and instincts, and laying a cultural groundwork for a team of international stars who could establish one of their own. All of these were achieved by Rajat Patidar in 2026. He did it quietly, no fanfare, no public proclamation and the results of his work stand clear enough on yesterday night and all the Diamond Exchange users have enjoyed the moment.
In the first instance, is intuition right and the data wrong?
It was indeed the right counter and quite before the coin landed Patidar knew. Having won the toss at the costs of the other side, at a Narendra Modi Stadium, which was hosting a GT side who has scored 195 runs in the last home match, was an easy afterthought of second thoughts — until it isn't. Later in the fourth over, when GT's coveted opening pair had returned, the form was starting to become apparent to all. These conditions, this pitch, this evening is an ideal combination for Bhuvneshwar and Hazlewood. Patidar had placed them into the right environment and believed that they would do what they were supposed to be doing.
But what the cameras missed was the Patidar had with Bhuvneshwar Kumar prior to toss. As per Puttupuru Chevula, PWI member Patidar asked outright, ‘So, if we try to bat first and target 160, are we safe? Bhuvneshwar promptly replied, 'So if we field first and bowl them out for 155 then I am sure we will be safe.' It is a short, straight and earnest exchange that embodies Patidar leadership. He asks the questions that are the right ones. He waits and hears the reply. He acts.
Managing the Galaxy of Stars
The fundamental difference that RC players don't have compared to most other teams is that their biggest highlight - Virat Kohli is a legend not just for the sport but the person, as well. The situation has the potential to create friction. But under Patidar, under Patidar, it has achieved something less common: clarity of role. Kohli has been the mainstay of RCB's batting lineup and will continue to be so. Patidar is captain. They both know this, and neither has been seen to fudge this.
If Rashid Khan had removed both Patidar and Krunal Pandya in the 9th over from 91/4 to make two changes to the RCB batting line-up, a less experienced captain would more easily come from the dressing room looking like he has some worries in the outfit. On the contrary, Patidar, who was now a spectator, was watched giving measured and cold signals from the dugout. Kohli received the message from Patidar's corner right through the middle, according to Tim David after the game, who was with Kohli at the time.="'Back each other, run hard, trust the process,'", said Tim David after the match. Not inspiring rhetoric. Specific instruction. Patidar's gift is that.
Bowling Rotation in the Middle Overs'
One of Patidar's lesser known deliveries of the day was from the middle orders of GTs innings (overs 7-15). After nine overs, Captain Bangabandhu decided to go ahead with a second spell of Rasikh Salam and opted against selecting a bowler from the spinner section for easy runs. The bet was that Salam would force movement out of a slightly worn playing area with his cross seam deliveries. It was a futile effort indeed but worked wonders; Rahul Tewatia, one of the trickiest finishers in the IPL history, was bowled by a cut-back hard shot.
The ninth over of the chase could go back to the drawing board as Rashid Khan claimed two wickets but Patidar didn't show his intent of any change of strategy. He was seen in the dugout with arms folded arms, watching with "cool eyes" and possibly giving directions to the team analyst. He looked less of a man watching his team in trouble and more of a man watching as if there's some opposition to a plan, which will be overcome.
Gaining the character of RCB Team
Batting, till now, has always been a strong suit of RCB's under the Indian batsman but everything Patidar did to foster a great environment for the bowlers has been the most enduring legacy one could have for the team. Devdutt Padikkal, addressing after the final, stated that the team has its own session for strategy and the amount of detail in the preparations is quite unprecedented in his career. This has come from the very top. The bowler felt as good as the batter — it had a lot of impact and has become reflected in the numbers as RCB's bowling average in knockout games in 2026 is the best of the tournament and be ready with your Diamond Exchange ID for the next season and upcoming cricket matches.
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