Rajat Patidar Reveals Faf du Plessis’s Role in RCB’s Resurgence

A New Era of Leadership at RCB

The 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) season has been nothing short of a dream for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) supporters. After finally breaking their 18-year title drought in 2025, the team has proven that their championship run was no mere stroke of luck. Under the steady hand of captain Rajat Patidar, the defending champions have been on a relentless roll, recently achieving the milestone of winning 10 matches in a single season—a feat never before accomplished in the franchise’s history.

Currently sitting atop the table with 18 points from 13 matches, RCB is firmly in the driver’s seat as the playoffs approach. While the collective performance of the squad has been stellar, much of the conversation has shifted toward the man at the helm. Rajat Patidar, who transitioned from a key batter to the leader of the side, recently provided a fascinating look into the philosophy that has kept the team winning.

The Faf du Plessis Factor

In the world of cricket, it is customary for players to gravitate toward the legendary leadership of Virat Kohli. However, when discussing the influences that shaped his own captaincy, Patidar chose to highlight a different mentor. He pointed directly to former RCB captain Faf du Plessis as the individual whose tactical and emotional intelligence left the deepest impact on him.

“It was crucial not to copy any of the predecessors,” Patidar noted in an interview. “But there was one thing I was very influenced by from du Plessis: how he spoke to and gave importance to each player. He was confident; his body language conveyed authority on the ground.” This focus on individual empowerment and authoritative presence has clearly permeated the current RCB dressing room, fostering a culture of mutual respect and confidence.

The Role of Mentorship and Tactical Preparation

Beyond the IPL, Patidar credits his growth as a leader to the meticulous coaching of Chandrakant Pandit. According to the RCB captain, the influence of his Madhya Pradesh coach was transformative, particularly regarding the intellectual side of the game.

“Chandu sir taught me how meticulously you can prepare for a cricket game, how deeply you can study it,” Patidar explained. “He has played for 20 years and then coached for another 20. His tactical strength was eye-opening for me.” This emphasis on preparation has allowed Patidar to lead with a level of analytical depth that has become a hallmark of his tenure.

Refining the Batting Craft

Leadership responsibilities haven’t stopped Patidar from being a crucial cog in the RCB batting lineup. Despite outside commentary on his technique, the 32-year-old remains confident in his evolution as a modern T20 batter. “My batting was of the multi-day mould while growing up, but I still had a good strike rate in this format. I have been able to get that clarity on how to bat across formats,” he stated.

Patidar also dispelled common misconceptions about his strengths. While many pundits focus on his ability to dismantle spin, he revealed, “People say I play spin very well, but I actually enjoy playing pace more.” This versatility has been evident in his 2026 performance, where he has maintained a strike rate of 192, scoring 337 runs across 11 innings.

Looking Ahead: The Road to the Playoffs

As the business end of the tournament looms, all eyes are on Patidar’s availability. Having missed the recent clash against the Punjab Kings due to a concussion, his return to the playing XI is the most anticipated storyline ahead of the pivotal showdown against the Sunrisers Hyderabad. Whether he returns to the field or continues to support from the sidelines, his impact on this RCB side remains undeniable. With a blend of Faf du Plessis’s man-management and Chandrakant Pandit’s tactical rigor, Rajat Patidar has cemented his place as a leader capable of guiding RCB toward sustained excellence.