There goes to be an enormous statue for him

Former Team India spinner Murali Kartik hailed Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) captain Rajat Patidar after the side’s IPL 2026 triumph. The 2025 champions made it back-to-back titles with a thumping five-wicket win over the Gujarat Titans (GT) in the final in Ahmedabad on May 31.

Taking over as RCB captain ahead of last year’s IPL, Patidar has instantly worked wonders, leading the franchise to end a 17-year drought with consecutive titles. He also joined MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma as the only captains to lead their teams to back-to-back IPL titles.

Talking about Rajat Patidar’s captaincy exploits with RCB, Kartik told Cricbuzz (30:06):

“As soon as he lands in Bengaluru, there is going to be a huge statue of him somewhere. For him to lead a Virat and other international stars and hold his own itself is something. He has handled everything that comes with being an IPL captain with ease. He is a man of few words, but he looks decisive, assured, and calm at all times. To be compared to the pantheons of Indian cricket, MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma, is brilliant.”

Under Patidar, RCB finished in the top two in both seasons and won all four playoff games en route to their title runs.

“Doesn’t shy away from speaking his mind” – Zaheer Khan on Rajat Patidar

Former Team India pacer Zaheer Khan praised Rajat Patidar for speaking his mind and being vocal, even if it means criticizing his own side. Furthermore, Zaheer also believes Patidar’s own batting and strike rate have helped in his leadership methods.

“The impact he has made in the middle phase with his strike rate has helped him as a leader to convey the message and inspire the whole group. RCB’s variety in the bowling attack has helped him achieve what he wanted to in this journey. He also doesn’t shy away from speaking his mind and is vocal whenever needed. He calls a spade a spade,” said Zaheer (via the aforementioned source).

Patidar was the perfect glue for RCB in their middle-order, finishing with 501 runs at an average of almost 42 and a strike rate of 192.69 in 15 outings.