But this time,Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) captain Rajat Patidar is sounding very clear in head,no side drama,no India selection talk,just final.
In pre-final press conference,Patidar was asked about personal things and possible return to Indian T20I setup . His answer was straight only: "I’m not looking forward to any selection regarding India. Every captain wants to win trophies,and we are here to play the finals and win finals."
That line says lot about mindset ah . Many players in such position usually talk carefully about selection and future chances,but Patidar just pushed everything aside and kept focus on RCB and trophy.
RCB are set to face Gujarat Titans at Narendra Modi Stadium,and pressure is not small thing . Patidar himself has scored 486 runs across 14 matches this season,which is a strong number,but he is not making this about his own batting .
And tbh,this is where RCB’s season feels slightly different . They have not looked like team waiting for one superstar to rescue them every match . With eight different players winning Player of the Match award this season,Patidar said,"Every player takes responsibility when he is going to bat or when he is bowling."
Few things standing out before final:
- Rajat Patidar is not focusing on Indian T20I selection right now.
- RCB have had eight different Player of the Match winners this season.
- Team is trying to win back-to-back titles and reach that rare zone with Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians.
Bowling also seems to be big part of his thinking . Patidar made it clear that in modern IPL,just scoring big is not enough because totals like 200 or 220 are happening so easily now . He said,"To win this competition,you need a good bowling attack. It is important to take wickets because these days it is easy to score 200 or 220."
And looking at RCB bowling,Bhuvneshwar Kumar has taken 26 wickets this season,while Rasikh and others have also chipped in . That kind of support matters badly in final because one bad over can change whole mood of match.
RCB are aiming for their fifth appearance in an IPL final,and win here would put them alongside Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians among teams who managed back-to-back titles . Big company,big pressure,proper heavy moment.
Patidar also kept respect for Gujarat Titans,saying,"Both teams have done really well throughout the tournament . It will be exciting and challenging for both teams." And that is exactly what makes this final interesting… one side talking calm,one side waiting,and fans probably wondering if RCB can actually finish job again…
