Royal Challengers Bengaluru captain Rajat Patidar believes execution under pressure and staying calm in key moments will decide the outcome of the Qualifier 1 against Gujarat Titans, as the two sides enter the playoffs after remarkably similar runs over the last few seasons.
Since 2023, GT and RCB have been the most successful teams in the IPL, with both sides registering an identical record of 34 wins and 24 losses. With little separating the two teams heading into their first-ever playoffs meeting, Patidar expected composure and clarity under pressure to become decisive factors in Dharamsala.
“Both the teams are doing pretty well, done pretty well throughout the season. The one thing on the given day who will execute their plan better, who will play better cricket, who will be calm under pressure, I think that team will win the match. I think both the teams are equally good. We have to be calm under pressure. Of course, it is a big stage, Qualifier 1. We have to hold our nerves and be confident in whatever we are doing.”
RCB's bowling attack has been central to their run into the playoffs, with Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood delivering consistently, while Rasikh Salam has provided control and breakthroughs around them. Patidar said the aggressive approach of the bowling group has shaped the team's identity this season.
"Our strength is bowling. The way we bowl in the Powerplay, I think that will be very crucial. Everyone in the team knows that we are not here to defend; we are here with the mindset of attacking. We will look for early wickets. That is what we have done so far. Doing the same thing again and again, I think it will make the difference. That is what Bhuvi, Hazlewood and Rasik are doing. We hope that we will continue in the same process."
Speaking about his captaincy, especially leading a side filled with experienced internationals and senior IPL campaigners, Patidar said the support system around him has allowed him to lead the team in his own way without needing to alter his personality.
"To be honest, I don't need to do anything extra. Our management, coaching staff and senior players have a lot of experience and that is helping me a lot as a leader. I get so many ideas from VK (Virat Kohli) bhai, Devdutt (Padikkal), Jitesh (Sharma), (Josh) Hazlewood, Tim David. I think their ideas and experience are helping me a lot.
"I don't need to do anything separately. I am not as expressive as I am individually. But with the help of game awareness, I understand the situation well. I communicate as much as I can so that I can get more ideas about what we can do better. Overall, I don't need to change anything. My strength, calmness, and the way I back my instincts, that is what I am doing."
Among the stories of RCB's campaign has been the resurgence of Venkatesh Iyer, who had to remain patient for opportunities after moving from KKR. Patidar praised the left-hander's attitude and preparation, saying his readiness despite limited opportunities reflected strongly on his character.
"I know Venky from childhood and the way he presents himself is extraordinary. The way he plays in any given situation and his flexibility in the batting order, I really like his attitude. When he was in KKR, he was their main player. But in the RCB starting XI, he didn't get any chances. He also knew that we weren't going to be making any changes. But he accepted that. And he contributed as much as he could from outside.
"And when he got the chance to play, he was ready. He was preparing himself even when he wasn't getting opportunities. But the time he spent in nets, the quality he showed with DK (batting coach Dinesh Karthik) - we were all practicing together, so I was watching him, and we kept talking. And the way he communicated showed he was ready, and as soon as he got the opportunity, he cashed in."
