Royal Challengers Bengaluru took on Rajasthan Royals earlier this month at Guwahati, and the evening began with RCB looking like they were playing catch-up after being asked to bat. Several batters struggled to find rhythm, with Virat Kohli among those who didn’t seem settled at the crease. Even so, RCB posted a total above 200, but it still proved short as Rajasthan Royals secured a comfortable win.
Key takeaways
- RCB’s batting chase of momentum didn’t translate into long stays at the crease, despite reaching over 200.
- Rajat Patidar and Venkatesh Iyer were the notable exceptions to RCB’s broader lack of application.
- Patidar’s recent purple patch includes 230 runs in six games at a strike rate of 212.96, with 22 sixes.
- RCB sit third in the points table after four wins from six matches, with Punjab Kings and Rajasthan Royals above them.
- Next up for RCB is a clash with Gujarat Titans at the Chinnaswamy Stadium, following their narrow loss to Delhi Capitals.
- Patidar emphasized flexibility in batting, a mindset-first approach, and a team culture where both senior and junior players have a voice.
RCB’s Guwahati lesson and the context of their season
In the Guwahati encounter, RCB’s innings never fully clicked, and their batting unit looked rushed for large stretches. Apart from the captain, Rajat Patidar, and impact substitute Venkatesh Iyer, most of the lineup failed to make meaningful contributions and couldn’t remain at the crease long enough to stabilize the innings.
Despite that, RCB still managed to cross the 200-run mark—an outcome that typically provides momentum and hope. However, Rajasthan Royals were able to cover the gap and won with ease, leaving RCB to reflect on how they could have converted their platform into a safer score.
Patidar, who also appeared to be thinking ahead during that match, described the team’s mindset as dominant but not rigid. He said their approach is about evaluating the situation as it unfolds and adjusting accordingly, adding that such adaptability is crucial for a batting side.
Patidar’s form, his batting evolution, and his ‘bowling captain’ mindset
Heading into their next assignment, RCB’s form is underlined by Patidar’s output. He has accumulated 230 runs across six matches, striking at 212.96 and clobbering 22 sixes, which places him second-highest among batters in the league so far. The article also highlights how he has grown into a more reliable force in recent seasons, and notes that last year he led RCB to their first-ever IPL title as captain—an achievement framed as remarkable and unprecedented.
When asked about what has changed in his batting, Patidar pointed to mental clarity. He explained that his evolution has been rooted in how he views the game, how he sees himself in a specific scenario, and how he wants to impose control. From there, he said he worked on “trigger movements” and discussed them with DK, Dinesh Karthik, before committing to executing without hesitation once the match plan clicked for him.
Patidar further clarified that he does not subscribe to a single rigid blueprint for every outing. If he believes he can dominate a bowler, he will go after the opportunity, framing it as instinct more than a pre-decided script.
“Mate, I am a bowling captain” — leadership under pressure
Beyond batting, Patidar also addressed the leadership narrative by stressing that he sees himself as a “bowling captain.” He argued that in T20 cricket, bowlers are constantly under pressure, so his job is to keep them in a good mental space without reacting too strongly. The piece references an example from RCB’s game versus Delhi Capitals, when Romaio Shepherd was unable to defend 15 runs in the final over, with Patidar positioned as the captain who tries to manage intensity and keep the unit steady.
He also said that he ensures every player—whether a senior figure or someone new—gets a meaningful say. Patidar described learning by watching players such as Virat bhai, and emphasized staying focused on the present while concentrating on what is within one’s control. He added that when everyone feels equally important, it helps them settle quicker and perform better.
RCB’s title tag and what comes next
Finally, Patidar dismissed any sense of pressure tied to RCB’s “defending champions” tag. He explained that it is natural for opponents to come harder at a champion side, but for RCB the priority is to remain in the moment, stick to their process, and manage the controllables.
In terms of standings, RCB have recorded four wins from six matches and currently occupy third place in the points table, sitting behind Punjab Kings and Rajasthan Royals. They are scheduled to face Gujarat Titans the following day at the Chinnaswamy Stadium. The preview also notes that RCB’s previous match ended in defeat against Delhi Capitals, with the outcome decided in the final overs.
