RCB Wins Second Consecutive IPL Title Under Captain Rajat Patidar
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) defeated Gujarat Titans by five wickets in Ahmedabad on May 31, 2026, to win their second straight Indian Premier League (IPL) title. Captain Rajat Patidar, turning 33, scored 501 runs at a strike rate of 192.69, including a stunning 93 off 33 balls in Qualifier 1. Virat Kohli’s unbeaten 75 in the final and a balanced squad with multiple match-winners secured the victory. Patidar now eyes a third consecutive title.
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Patidar eyes a hat-trick after ‘best birthday gift’
Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) captain Rajat Patidar, who turned 33 on June 1, 2026, described winning the Indian Premier League (IPL) for the second consecutive year as the 'best birthday gift.' Speaking after the final in Ahmedabad, Patidar said the team will now focus on achieving a third straight title. He credited his improved batting to rigorous net sessions and guidance from mentor Dinesh Karthik, and drew inspiration from former RCB captain Faf du Plessis. Patidar highlighted that dismissing Gujarat Titans' top three batters—Shubman Gill, Sai Sudharsan, and Jos Buttler—early in the PowerPlay was key to the victory, as GT's batting heavily relied on them.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.IPL 2026: RCB Skipper Patidar Says Team Dominated, Eyes Third Title
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) won their second consecutive IPL title on May 31, 2026, defeating Gujarat Titans by five wickets in Ahmedabad. Captain Rajat Patidar, celebrating his 33rd birthday, stated the team dominated throughout the tournament, contrasting the pressure of the previous year. Patidar highlighted his calm leadership style and credited mentor Dinesh Karthik for batting improvements, scoring 501 runs at a strike rate of 192.69. He praised senior batter Virat Kohli, who scored an unbeaten 75 in the final and amassed 675 runs for the season. Patidar expressed confidence in the team's ability to win a third consecutive title.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.With this RCB group, you don’t need to be the one to step up every time: Kohli
Virat Kohli praised the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) squad after they won their second consecutive Indian Premier League (IPL) title in 2026, defeating Gujarat Titans by five wickets in the final. Kohli, who scored an unbeaten 75, noted that unlike previous seasons, he no longer feels the pressure to single-handedly carry the team, citing the presence of multiple match-winners like Josh Hazlewood, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jacob Duffy, Krunal Pandya, and Rasikh Salam Dar. He emphasized the team's balance, strength, and composure, and credited a close win against Mumbai Indians in Raipur for restoring belief after a mid-season slump. RCB topped the league stage and delivered a clinical performance throughout the tournament.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.IPL Final: RCB Captain Rajat Patidar Focuses on Present, Not on Emulating Dhoni and Rohit
On the eve of the IPL 2026 final between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Gujarat Titans (GT), RCB captain Rajat Patidar downplayed comparisons with legendary captains MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma, who are the only skippers to have won back-to-back IPL titles. Patidar, who joined RCB in 2022 as a replacement player, is one win away from achieving that feat. He emphasized staying in the present and treating the final as a fresh challenge rather than defending the 2025 title. Patidar also deflected questions about a potential Indian T20 call-up, focusing solely on the match. His aggressive batting, including an unbeaten 33-ball 93 in Qualifier 1, has been a highlight this season, with a tournament strike rate of 196.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Patidar's 93 off 33 leads RCB to IPL 2026 Qualifier 1 win
In IPL 2026 Qualifier 1, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) captain Rajat Patidar played a stunning unbeaten knock of 93 runs off just 33 balls, featuring only one dot ball, to lead his team to a dominant victory over Gujarat Titans in Dharamshala. Patidar's innings, which included a remarkable six off Kagiso Rabada that left Virat Kohli amazed, brought RCB closer to a second successive IPL title. RCB director of cricket Mo Bobat praised Patidar's sound basics, fearless intent, and ability to consistently middle the ball, as well as his discipline in recognizing when to shift gears after the loss of early wickets.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.