Royal Challengers Bengaluru skipper Rajat Patidar said on Sunday that Virat Kohli is “used to doing great things,” adding that the India batting icon’s presence in the dressing room proved priceless as RCB clinched their second straight Indian Premier League title. After Bengaluru chased 156 against Gujarat Titans in the summit clash at Ahmedabad, Kohli struck an unbeaten 75 to guide the franchise home with two overs remaining.
Kohli’s match-winning knock and Bengaluru’s repeat triumph
In a final that set the tone early for RCB, Kohli’s undefeated innings anchored the chase of 156 and ensured the championship did not slip away. Bengaluru finished the job with plenty in hand, sealing victory with two overs still to bowl.
- Kohli made 75* as Bengaluru chased 156 in the IPL final
- RCB won with two overs to spare in Ahmedabad
- Kohli’s finishing cameo featured a six to bring up the win after a 42-ball effort
- The innings included nine fours and three sixes
Patidar on Kohli: “learn from him” and the same energy in nets
Speaking to reporters after the triumph, Patidar emphasised how Kohli’s routine and mindset translate from practice to pressure moments. The captain described Kohli’s influence as both inspirational and practical, pointing to the learning opportunities the squad gets from the batting great.
- Patidar said he has “no words” to describe Kohli, noting the batter is “used to doing great things”
- He added that everyone knows Kohli for the way he bats and that the team tries to learn from him both on and off the field
- Patidar said the squad spends a lot of time with Kohli and tries to pick up whatever he shares, whether it is about cricket or other aspects
- He stated Kohli reaches out to players to talk about cricket, and Patidar keeps watching what he does
- Patidar highlighted that Kohli’s energy in the nets matches his energy during matches
Season dominance, Kohli’s superstar status, and elite captaincy company
Patidar’s praise came in the same season where Kohli underlined his status as the tournament’s most consistent run-getter. Kohli finished the campaign with 675 runs, including one century and five half-centuries, as Bengaluru and their star batter continued to assert control over the competition.
- Kohli scored 675 runs in the season
- His tally included one century and five half-centuries
- Bengaluru and Kohli have dominated the T20 league since RCB’s first title win last year at the 18th attempt
Kohli’s impact extended well beyond statistics. Now separated from Test cricket and T20 internationals, he still remains a major draw for crowds and a defining figure in franchise cricket. At the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad—described as the world’s largest cricket venue—his iconic number 18 jersey drew significant attention as the ground recorded an official attendance of more than 90,000 spectators.
With this victory, Patidar also joined the small list of captains to win IPL titles in consecutive seasons. Bengaluru’s repeat success put the skipper in elite company as only a third captain to achieve back-to-back championships.
- Patidar became only the third captain to win consecutive IPL titles
- MS Dhoni did it with Chennai Super Kings in 2010 and 2011
- Rohit Sharma led Mumbai Indians to titles in 2019 and 2020
Pressure versus calm, and Patidar’s captaincy approach
Reflecting on how the team handled expectations, Patidar contrasted last season’s pressure with the more relaxed feel this year, crediting Bengaluru’s brand of cricket throughout the campaign.
- Patidar said last year brought “a lot of pressure,” while this year felt “more calm”
- He added that RCB’s dominance across the tournament shaped their second-title run
- Patidar said they were confident that playing the same way would deliver the second trophy for RCB
On his own leadership style, Patidar said he is not overly expressive, but remains alert to the match situation. He also pointed to support from the management and the players as key to how the side approached crucial moments.
- Patidar said he is “not expressive,” but is aware of the game situation
- He noted the team received strong backing from the management and the players
