Royal Challengers Bengaluru skipper Rajat Patidar is backing execution with composure as the key differentiator when RCB take on Gujarat Titans in Qualifier 1 on Tuesday night. With a spot in the final at stake, Patidar pointed to the fine margins that typically decide such high-stakes matches, especially when both teams have shown quality across the season.
RCB and Gujarat Titans split their league-stage meetings this year: the Bengaluru side won the opening clash at home by five wickets, while Gujarat Titans responded with a four-wicket victory in the reverse fixture. Ahead of Qualifier 1, Patidar believes the team that sticks most faithfully to its plans—while staying calm under pressure—will come out on top.
- Patidar said both teams have performed strongly throughout the campaign, and that the side which executes its strategy more effectively on the day will win.
- He emphasised that Qualifier 1 is a “big stage”, urging the group to hold its nerves and maintain confidence in its approach.
- He added that composure could prove decisive, given how closely matched the two sides have been in their head-to-head contests this season.
Bowling in the spotlight
Patidar also identified RCB’s bowling unit as a defining strength this season, highlighting how crucial their start with the ball will be. He stressed that Bengaluru are not built around defending totals and instead aim to strike early, using an attacking mindset to set up the match from the first overs.
“Our strength is bowling, and the way we bowl in the powerplay will be very crucial,” Patidar said. He further explained that the team’s intent is to look for early breakthroughs, pointing to the impact made by Bhuvneshwar, Hazlewood and Rasikh so far, with the skipper hoping that trend continues against Gujarat Titans.
Special mention for Venkatesh Iyer
Turning to batting, Patidar reserved specific praise for Venkatesh Iyer, noting his recent returns against Punjab Kings and Sunrisers Hyderabad. Patidar highlighted that Iyer has scored 73 not out and 44 in his last two outings versus PBKS and SRH, with one of those knocks coming from the middle order and another from an opening role against SRH.
Patidar said he knows Iyer well from their childhood connection, and commended the way the batter carries himself. He also underlined Iyer’s willingness to adapt—crediting both his flexibility in the batting order and his attitude across different match situations.
He further added that Iyer had been preparing even when opportunities were not immediately coming his way. According to Patidar, the work done in nets and the communication within the group suggested readiness, and once the chance arrived, Iyer took it.
Leadership and dressing-room support
Reflecting on his own captaincy journey, Patidar said the help around him has made the role easier. He credited the management, coaching staff and senior players for providing experience that supports him as a leader.
Patidar also spoke about learning from teammates and mentioned Virat Kohli, Devdutt, Jitesh, Hazlewood and Tim David as sources of ideas. He said he tries to share information as much as possible and believes his personal strength lies in staying calm while backing his instincts.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s influence
Patidar then underlined the importance of Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s presence in the dressing room, describing him as a bowler whose experience continues to benefit younger players. He said that Bhuvneshwar’s understanding of his strengths is clear, and that the way he speaks to junior teammates—particularly the bowlers—makes his role especially valuable.
In closing, Patidar acknowledged the challenges bowlers face in the IPL, where batters can quickly turn the contest. He stressed that what matters most is confidence and clarity about one’s role, signing off with the message that belief and understanding are key to handling pressure in T20 cricket.
