On the eve of the IPL 2025 final, Royal Challengers Bengaluru captain Rajat Patidar addressed the media in Ahmedabad with calm focus and a quiet determination. With his side preparing for their fourth appearance in an IPL final and aiming to lift the trophy for the first time, Patidar touched on team news, emotional motivations, and what lies ahead. Speaking about the availability of middle-order batter Tim David, Patidar confirmed that a final call would be taken by the medical team later in the day. “Doctors are there. We will get to know this evening,” he said, offering no further details but hinting at cautious optimism. The conversation inevitably turned to Virat Kohli, the face of RCB for over a decade. While Kohli may not be leading the team anymore, his presence continues to be a source of inspiration for the Bengaluru camp. “We will try and win this for him,” Patidar said with intent. “He has done so well for India and RCB over the years.”
Patidar further elaborated on his captaincy journey this season and how he has approached the big occasion. “Expectations come naturally, especially when you’re leading a team like RCB in a final, but I always focus on what’s in my control and try to stay in the present,” he said. “This captaincy journey has been a great learning experience for me. Being around some of the best leaders and foreign players in the game has really shaped my approach.”“I’ve focused on creating a relaxed and secure environment, where both domestic and international players feel confident. We’re not thinking too much about the stage; we’re here to play our best cricket,” he continued.Quiz: Who’s that IPL player?Addressing the narrative around his face-off with Punjab Kings captain Shreyas Iyer, Patidar added, “Facing Shreyas again in a final is a nice coincidence, but the challenge is new, and we’re prepared for it.” The final against Punjab Kings marks a rare opportunity for RCB to end their long wait for a title after falling short in 2009, 2011, and 2016. The team has looked sharp in the knockout stages, including a dominant win in Qualifier 1 where they dismantled PBKS for just 101. With Kohli eyeing his first IPL trophy and Patidar emerging as a composed leader, the Bengaluru side is chasing more than just a title, they’re pursuing legacy.
