Patidar Touts Composure as RCB Eye Qualifier 1 vs GT in Dharamsala

Royal Challengers Bengaluru captain Rajat Patidar feels that how well his side executes its plans under pressure will be decisive when they take on Gujarat Titans in Qualifier 1. With both franchises arriving in the playoffs after strikingly similar journeys in recent seasons, Patidar believes composure in the biggest moments—especially in Dharamsala—could decide the contest. He also stressed that the match will likely hinge on which team stays calmer and executes better rather than on raw talent alone.

Patidar’s view ahead of Qualifier 1

1. Patidar said both teams have performed strongly across the season and that the side that carries out its game plan more effectively on the day will come out on top.
2. He highlighted the importance of nerves and confidence on a major stage, describing Qualifier 1 as a situation where calmness becomes a key advantage.
3. He added that both sides are equally capable, meaning execution under pressure and clarity during key phases will be crucial.

For RCB, Patidar pointed to their bowling unit as the foundation of their run into the playoffs. He referenced the steady contributions from Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood, along with Rasikh Salam’s role in controlling spells and creating breakthroughs. In Patidar’s eyes, the aggressiveness of the bowling group has become a defining feature of RCB’s identity this season—particularly their intent early in matches.

1. Patidar said the team’s primary strength is its bowling and that the Powerplay approach will carry particular weight.
2. He stressed that RCB’s mindset is not about defending totals, but about attacking—seeking early wickets and applying pressure from the start.
3. He suggested that maintaining the same attacking pattern again and again is what could separate the two teams, crediting Bhuvneshwar, Hazlewood and Rasikh for doing exactly that.
4. He expressed the hope that RCB will continue with the same process into the crucial knockout stage.

On the subject of his captaincy, Patidar said he doesn’t feel the need to dramatically reshape his personality to lead a squad that includes seasoned internationals and experienced IPL performers. He believes the support around him—management, coaching staff, and senior players—has helped him run the team in a way that suits him while still benefiting from the wisdom of those around him.

1. Patidar said he doesn’t need to do anything extra because the people around him bring extensive experience.
2. He credited ideas and guidance he receives from Virat Kohli, Devdutt Padikkal, Jitesh Sharma, Josh Hazlewood and Tim David as helpful inputs for his leadership.
3. He explained that he is not as expressive as he is individually, but that game awareness allows him to read situations and communicate as much as possible to gather further insights.
4. He concluded that his core method—staying calm, trusting his instincts, and backing himself—is what he intends to keep doing.

Another major thread of RCB’s campaign, Patidar noted, has been the resurgence of Venkatesh Iyer. He spoke about how the left-hander had to be patient after moving from KKR, and how that patience and preparation ultimately prepared him for when his chances arrived. Patidar praised Iyer’s attitude, preparation habits, and ability to adjust within the batting order even when opportunities were limited.

1. Patidar said he knows Venkatesh Iyer from childhood and described his demeanour and approach as impressive.
2. He pointed to Iyer’s adaptability in different batting situations and his flexibility in the batting order.
3. Patidar recalled that while Iyer was a key performer for KKR, he didn’t receive chances in RCB’s starting XI, yet he accepted the role and contributed from outside.
4. He said that when Iyer eventually got opportunities, he was ready—having prepared even when he wasn’t playing.
5. Patidar highlighted the time spent in nets, including work with Dinesh Karthik, noting that he watched Iyer and spoke with him during training.
6. He added that Iyer’s communication during those sessions reflected readiness, and that once the opportunity came, he made the most of it immediately.