He allows the superstars to get the spotlight – Dinesh Karthik and Mo Bobat why Rajat Patidar is a “great captain”
Rajat Patidar had a dream run with the bat in IPL 2026, garnering 501 runs at a strike rate of 192.69. Not only did he hammer the bowlers at will but his captaincy tactics for RCB was a spectacle to behold.
Patidar led the Royal Challengers Bengaluru to their second IPL in two years and has been one of the heartthrobs for the fans.
Talking on RCB’s Trophy Quest – The Second Act, RCB’s Director of Cricket, Mo Bobat opened up on how good Rajat has been. He was joined by RCB’s batting coach and mentor, Dinesh Karthik, who underlined the unparalleled humility of the RCB skipper and how silently he carves greatness.
Underlining his evolution over the years, Bobat said, “Rajat has continued to evolve and grow since his first season as captain. You know he hasn't changed much, but you can see a deepening sense of his confidence, just coming through experience and success. Really strong values, which I think makes it easy for the players to follow him.”
Reflecting on his humility, Karthik added, “The beauty about Rajat is that he is a star, and there's a small little light shining on him always, and he's happy to just have that light. He allows the superstars to go in front and get that big spotlight on them.”
DK further stated, “He is very happy just making sure the superstars are just enjoying it, the likes of Krunal, Bhuvi, Virat Kohli. He just allows them to go and do their thing, whereas he is in the backseat, getting that small little light, and he does whatever it takes for that game to get the job done, and that I really enjoy about him. He is not one who is craving for anything whatsoever other than wanting to win a game of cricket, be it with the bat or on the field.”
Bobat opened up on Patidar’s latest exploits in the IPL, adding, “And his batting this year has been phenomenal. He's already a very attractive batsman to watch. And then when he goes through the gears and plays aggressively and really takes on the opposition, it can be something really special.”
Turning the pages of time, Dinesh Karthik opened up on the previous season and the injury with which he played. DK said, “2025 was a good season for him with the bat. He started phenomenally well before he got injured, and obviously he wasn't the same after that because he was trying to almost adjust and bat with what he had in terms of the kind of strength that he had in his arms.”
Karthik then shifted his focus to Patidar’s latest season, stating, “2026, he was outstanding with the bat, right through the season, got 500 runs at an incredible strike rate, and the impact that he gives us through the middle, probably one of the best in the tournament, if not the best in those stages.”
Highlighting how Rajat’s bravery aligned with the current demands of the tournament, Bobat said, “One of the things Andy and I talk about quite a lot is the need for us to be brave, and Rajat's incredibly brave in the way that he bats. And I think that just probably makes everyone else feel like it's safe or okay to be as brave as Rajat.”
Dinesh Karthik concluded by saying why the players love Patidar so much, stating, “The fielding unit and the bowling unit love him to bits because no matter what the situation is, he doesn't get flustered. He has this uncanny ability to just have a small little smile if required, but at most times a poker face and just goes about it in a very calm manner. I think that almost gives the bowlers the assurance that, don't worry, I'm there for you.”
