Ahmedabad: Royal Challengers Bengaluru captain Rajat Patidar believes his side’s successful IPL 2026 campaign was built on complete dominance rather than isolated moments of brilliance, following RCB’s title-winning victory over Gujarat Titans in the final. After guiding Bengaluru to a second consecutive Indian Premier League crown, Patidar declared that the team had not merely competed throughout the season but had established control over the tournament from start to finish.
Speaking after the final, Patidar said RCB’s success was the result of collective performances, strong planning and the ability to execute under pressure. Reflecting on the season, the captain remarked that the team “didn’t just play” but “dominated,” highlighting the consistency Bengaluru displayed across both the league stage and playoffs.
RCB completed a remarkable campaign by defeating Gujarat Titans by five wickets in the IPL 2026 final at the Narendra Modi Stadium. The victory made Bengaluru only the third franchise in IPL history to win back-to-back titles, placing them alongside Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians in an elite category of champions.
Patidar reserved special praise for the RCB coaching group, crediting head coach Andy Flower and the support staff for building a balanced squad capable of adapting to different match situations. According to the captain, the team’s preparation and clarity of roles helped Bengaluru maintain momentum throughout the season and handle high-pressure knockout matches effectively.
The RCB skipper also revealed that the team has already started thinking about achieving an unprecedented third consecutive title. Patidar said the squad remains hungry for success and believes the current group has the potential to create a long-term legacy in the tournament. His comments have sparked excitement among Bengaluru supporters, who are enjoying the most successful period in the franchise’s history.
One of the emotional moments following the final came when Patidar dedicated the victory to fans who lost their lives in the tragic stampede that occurred during celebrations after RCB’s first IPL title. Calling the supporters “family members,” he said the team wanted to honour their memory through another championship-winning campaign.
Patidar’s leadership journey has become one of the most inspiring stories in modern IPL history. After initially being released by RCB and later returning as an injury replacement, the Madhya Pradesh batter gradually established himself as a key player before eventually being appointed captain. Under his leadership, Bengaluru ended their long wait for a maiden IPL title in 2025 and followed it up with another championship in 2026.
Throughout the 2026 season, RCB consistently looked like one of the strongest teams in the competition. They finished among the top sides in the league phase and produced one of the most dominant playoff performances by defeating Gujarat Titans by 92 runs in Qualifier 1 before overcoming the same opponent again in the final.
Virat Kohli also played a major role in the title-winning campaign, with cricket experts praising his more aggressive and relaxed batting approach this season. Former players and analysts noted that the experienced batter benefited from having a stronger middle order around him, allowing him to play with greater freedom.
Patidar’s own performances with the bat were equally influential. His explosive unbeaten 93 off just 33 balls in Qualifier 1 against Gujarat Titans is widely regarded as one of the defining innings of the tournament and helped propel RCB into the final.
With consecutive IPL trophies now secured, Royal Challengers Bengaluru have transformed from a franchise long associated with near-misses into one of the dominant forces in Indian cricket. Patidar’s confidence about a possible three-peat reflects the growing belief within the squad that RCB’s success story is only just beginning.
