Bengaluru: Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) captain Rajat Patidar has clarified that his team is not approaching the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season with a “defending champions” mindset, despite suffering their second consecutive defeat.
RCB went down to Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in a rain-affected yet closely contested match, raising concerns after back-to-back losses. However, Patidar maintained that the team remains committed to an aggressive brand of cricket rather than playing cautiously to defend last year’s title.
‘No mindset to defend the trophy’
Addressing the media after the match, Patidar emphasised that the squad is treating IPL 2026 as a fresh campaign and not dwelling on their triumph in 2025.
“We are not playing as a defending champion this season. We have the opportunity to become champions once again. So, we don’t have the mindset to defend the trophy. We want to play an attacking game, not a defensive one,” he said.
He further added that the team is focused on delivering its best in every game without being weighed down by expectations. According to Patidar, last season’s success is now history, and the current squad is determined to carve out a new path.
Marsh’s century proves decisive
The match against LSG saw Australian all-rounder Mitchell Marsh produce a match-winning performance, scoring a brilliant century that laid the foundation for Lucknow’s victory. His aggressive start during the powerplay phase put immediate pressure on RCB’s bowling unit.
Patidar acknowledged Marsh’s impact, stating that the innings tilted the game early in LSG’s favour. “He batted really well, and the pitch was good for batting. The way he started in the powerplay created pressure on us,” he said.
Despite the early setback, RCB bowlers managed to regain control during the middle overs. The rain interruption also provided a brief pause, allowing both teams to reassess their strategies.
Narrow margins cost RCB
Reflecting on the loss, Patidar pointed out that the match ultimately came down to fine margins. He believed that RCB fell just short in the chase, missing out on a few crucial scoring opportunities.
“In the end, we were just two shots away from winning the match. Those missing runs made the difference,” he admitted.
The captain expressed satisfaction with the bowlers’ effort in containing the opposition after the initial onslaught but conceded that the batting unit could have capitalised better in key moments.
Playoff hopes remain intact
Despite the consecutive defeats, RCB remain well-placed in the IPL 2026 standings, currently occupying the third position on the points table. The team is still considered one of the strong contenders for a playoff spot.
Patidar’s comments underline a broader philosophy within the camp — to maintain a fearless and attacking style of play regardless of results. The approach mirrors their successful campaign last year and suggests that the team is backing its strengths rather than shifting to a conservative strategy.
Conclusion
As IPL 2026 progresses, RCB’s ability to bounce back from setbacks will be closely watched. While the recent losses have exposed areas for improvement, the team’s commitment to an aggressive approach could prove crucial in the long run. With the tournament still in its early stages, Patidar and his side will look to quickly regain momentum and strengthen their push towards the playoffs.