Ahmedabad: Royal Challengers Bengaluru captain Rajat Patidar has opened up about the aggressive approach that powered his blistering unbeaten 93 off just 33 balls against Gujarat Titans in Qualifier 1 of the Indian Premier League (IPL).

Patidar’s explosive innings helped RCB post a mammoth total of 254/5, eventually leading to a dominant 92-run victory and securing their place in a second consecutive IPL final. The skipper emphasised that his team’s fearless mindset and positive body language were key factors behind the commanding performance.

‘We are coming for you’ mindset drives RCB

Speaking after the match, Patidar highlighted the importance of intent and confidence in high-pressure games. He revealed that the team had discussed maintaining an attacking approach ahead of the crucial encounter.

“It was a super game for us. The way our batsmen dominated with intent was excellent. It is not about a fixed plan, but we wanted to show through our body language that we are coming for you,” Patidar said.

He added that such a mindset helped RCB take control of the game early and maintain pressure on Gujarat throughout the contest. According to Patidar, every batter contributed by playing positively, which allowed the team to build a formidable total.

Calculated aggression defines Patidar’s batting

Patidar also shed light on his personal batting strategy, explaining that his aggression is backed by careful assessment of conditions.

“I usually take 8–10 balls at the start to understand the wicket and how the ball is behaving. After that, I have clarity and I am not worried about my wicket. I like putting the bowler under pressure,” he explained.

This calculated approach has been a hallmark of his performance this season. Patidar is currently enjoying the best form of his IPL career, scoring 486 runs in 13 innings at an impressive average of 44.18 and a remarkable strike rate of 196.76. His tally includes five half-centuries and 41 sixes, underlining his dominance with the bat.

Challenging pitch conditions overcome with skill

Despite the high-scoring nature of the match, Patidar noted that the pitch was not as easy as the total might suggest. He pointed out that the bounce on the surface made it difficult for batters to get underneath the ball and hit big sixes freely.

“It was not an easy wicket where you could just get under the ball and hit big shots. The bounce was really good, so you had to adjust accordingly,” he said.

His ability to adapt to these conditions while maintaining an aggressive approach played a crucial role in RCB’s imposing total.

Bowlers execute plans to perfection

Patidar was equally full of praise for his bowling unit, which delivered a clinical performance to dismantle Gujarat’s strong batting lineup. RCB’s strategy was clear: target the opposition’s top order early in the innings.

“We knew that their top three — Gill, Sudharsan and Buttler — were key. The plan was to get them out in the powerplay, and it worked perfectly,” he noted.

Pacer Jacob Duffy and experienced seamer Bhuvneshwar Kumar led the charge with disciplined, stump-to-stump bowling. Their early breakthroughs left Gujarat struggling to recover.

Despite some resistance from Rahul Tewatia, who scored 68 runs, and a brief cameo from Jos Buttler, Gujarat Titans were bowled out for 162, falling well short of the target.

RCB continue strong IPL legacy

RCB’s victory marks their fifth appearance in an IPL final, placing them among the most consistent teams in the tournament’s history. Only Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings have reached more finals.

The win was also one of the biggest in IPL knockout history, second only to Rajasthan Royals’ 105-run victory over Delhi Capitals in 2008.

With momentum on their side, RCB now look well-positioned to chase back-to-back titles and further cement their place among the league’s elite teams.

Conclusion

Rajat Patidar’s fearless leadership and match-winning knock have once again highlighted RCB’s transformation into a dominant force in the IPL. By combining calculated aggression with disciplined execution, the team has set a benchmark for high-pressure performances.

As they head into the final, RCB will aim to carry forward this momentum and replicate their all-round brilliance on the biggest stage. For Patidar, the formula remains simple — attack, dominate, and keep the opposition under constant pressure.


(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by News Karnataka staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)