They are an equally important part - Rajat Patidar reveals the mantra behind handling young bowlers at RCB

They say batters win you games while bowlers win you tournaments. In IPL 2025, RCB saw this happen in the phrase’s boldest fashion. Apart from Josh Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar Kumar, the rest of the bowling unit came together to pack a mean punch.

2026 has been no different, as RCB has used talents like Suyash Sharma, Rasikh Salam Dar, and Abhinandan Singh in the best possible fashion and the rewards have been tangible enough for the Royal Challengers to savour. Speaking on the RCB Podcast, Rajat Patidar opened up on how he manages young bowlers as captain - a task that needs composure and empathy.

Patidar said, “I am very clear in these things because there are a lot of times when a young player comes, he becomes very nervous. He sees so many players, so he is already under pressure. However, the good thing here at RCB is, when a new player comes, he should be getting the same level of importance like an experienced contender.”

He further added, “That is when he will settle down or be comfortable. Because he is equally important part of the team like the way an experienced player is. I want to ensure that he feels this feeling. So I try and talk to him in the exact same way. I never want to let him feel that he is new and that is why there should be divisions because this will lead to him being frazzled.”

Patidar continued, “So when I am the captain, I want to ensure that I am communicating with them in the same way like the way a senior is treated because that gives him a bit of breathing space. They calm down a bit and they feel confident as well. Because like the way I said, they are an equally important part of the team like anyone else.”

He concluded by saying, “So I try to give them that kind of environment to the new ones and make it a supportive one.”