IPL 2026 RCB vs GT Patidar Mindset is the same as last year’s final

„I’ve by no means thought of what different captains have finished earlier than or whether or not I wish to compete with somebody,“ he stated in Ahmedabad previous to RCB’s coaching session. „As a person, my journey has had its ups and downs, however I’ve by no means targeted on that [captaincy, legacy].

„Wherever I’m, I give attention to what I can do finest in that second. I’ve by no means thought an excessive amount of about shifting ahead or trying again. Proper now, we’re targeted on giving our greatest within the closing.“

Patidar burdened on the learnings he continues to remove from every recreation as captain, despite the fact that there hasn’t been any stress to show a degree having received a title in 2025, his very first season in cost.

„It is a fantastic alternative for me to study from so many skilled gamers,“ he stated. „On the similar time, I’ve by no means tried to alter myself. It is vital to be your self. Simply because I am captain doesn’t suggest I have to turn out to be somebody completely different. The administration has performed an enormous function. They’ve by no means pressured me to be anybody else.

„They know what sort of particular person I’m. The senior gamers additionally perceive that. I’ve had good backing from each the administration and the senior gamers, so I’ve by no means actually confronted any issues. I am simply staying in my zone and that is serving to me.“

As a lot as he tried to downplay his function and the potential for an India call-up for Eire and England, Patidar was nonetheless requested about it point-blank. His response was equally simple.

„I have not visualised myself as India’s T20 captain,“ he stated, earlier than drifting in direction of RCB and the IPL. „However each captain needs to win trophies. We received one final yr, however this can be a new season. You possibly can’t hold speaking about what occurred in 2025. You must keep within the current and give attention to what you are able to do now to win one other title.“

Final yr, RCB got here into the ultimate anticipating the unknown. There was an actual sense of pleasure and anticipation throughout the group. Has that have of coping with the pressures modified their outlook?

„To be trustworthy, I do not suppose we have modified a lot,“ Patidar stated. „The mindset is similar. We’re not considering like defending champions. We do not see it as defending one thing we received in 2025. It is a new season and a brand new alternative. Our mindset is that we’re right here to win one other title.“

One of many issues he has consciously targeted on doing by the lengthy season helps the youthful gamers throughout the group achieve confidence, and empower them to be unbiased of their considering. Patidar touched upon the significance of doing this, having skilled being star-struck as a youthful and upcoming participant when he first broke by in 2021.

„I all the time attempt to spend time with them,“ he stated. „I inform them it is vital to be your self and belief your strengths. I have been in that state of affairs myself. In 2021, I used to be all of the senior gamers and there was naturally some anxiousness and nervousness. What I inform them is that they need not fear about who’s standing in entrance of them or who’s within the dressing room. They’re right here as a result of they need to be right here. Focus in your strengths and on the issues you’ll be able to management. That is the principle message.“

There was particular reward for Rasikh Dar, among the many youthful gamers, who Patidar has been most impressed with. Dar has stepped in fantastically to fill the hole attributable to Yash Dayal’s absence. Rasikh is RCB’s second-highest wicket-taker this season with 16 wickets.

„When you will have bowlers like Bhuvi and Hazlewood, you continue to want help from the remainder of the assault,“ Patidar defined. „The way in which Rasikh has are available and offered breakthroughs has been crucial. You possibly can’t win matches or tournaments counting on only one or two bowlers. He is bowled fantastically all through the match and helped make sure the workload is not falling solely on a few gamers. It has been a real staff effort.“

Patidar repeatedly burdened on accountability and mindset at any time when he was requested in regards to the staff’s learnings and their journey over the previous few years of resurgence. They’ve now made 5 playoffs in six seasons.

„My remark is that each participant now takes accountability, whether or not it is with the bat or the ball,“ he stated. „Duty might be the important thing phrase. Each particular person is eager to contribute and do one thing for the staff. The opposite factor is the mindset. We’re not right here simply to qualify for the playoffs.

„We’re right here to play finals and win finals. I feel that mindset has modified probably the most.“