“We Are Coming For You”: Rajat Patidar Explains RCB’s Fearless Batting Approach

Rajat Patidar credited Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s fearless batting approach and aggressive mindset after his side stormed into the IPL final with a commanding 92-run victory over Gujarat Titans in Qualifier 1. Patidar produced a sensational unbeaten 93 off just 33 deliveries to guide RCB to a massive total of 254/5, helping the franchise secure its second consecutive IPL final appearance. Speaking after the match, the RCB skipper said the team entered the contest with a clear attacking mentality and aimed to put pressure on Gujarat’s bowlers from the very beginning.

Patidar explained that while there was no fixed strategy against individual bowlers, the batting unit focused heavily on body language and intent. “We are coming for you,” he said while describing the aggressive mindset discussed during the team meeting before the high-stakes knockout clash. According to the RCB captain, the players wanted to show confidence and dominate the opposition from the outset rather than allow Gujarat’s bowlers to settle into rhythm. He praised the collective batting effort and said the fearless approach reflected throughout the innings, especially on a stage as important as Qualifier 1.

The 31-year-old batter has enjoyed the best IPL season of his career, emerging as one of the tournament’s most destructive middle-order players. Patidar’s unbeaten knock included five boundaries and nine sixes and came at a strike rate exceeding 280. He said his batting method involves spending the first few deliveries understanding the conditions before shifting into an attacking mode. “I always like to put the bowler under pressure,” he remarked, adding that he never worries excessively about losing his wicket once he has assessed the pitch conditions properly. This season, Patidar has scored 486 runs in 13 innings at an average above 44 and a strike rate nearing 197.

Also Read: Rajat Patidar Focuses On Execution And Composure Ahead Of IPL 2026 Qualifier 1

RCB’s innings was further strengthened by valuable contributions from Virat Kohli and Krunal Pandya, both of whom scored 43 runs each. Kohli provided early momentum with an aggressive 25-ball innings, while Krunal accelerated in the middle overs to keep the pressure firmly on Gujarat’s bowling attack. Patidar also noted that the pitch was not as straightforward for batting as the final score suggested, explaining that the bounce was good and timing the ball cleanly for big sixes required calculated strokeplay rather than blind hitting.

In response, Gujarat Titans never fully recovered after losing key wickets inside the powerplay. RCB bowlers Jacob Duffy and Bhuvneshwar Kumar dismantled Gujarat’s top order by removing captain Shubman Gill and other crucial batters early in the chase. Patidar said the team’s strategy was to target Gujarat’s top three, who had been central to their success throughout the tournament, and expressed satisfaction that the plan worked effectively. Despite resistance from Rahul Tewatia and Jos Buttler, Gujarat were bowled out for 162 runs.

The emphatic victory marked RCB’s fifth appearance in an IPL final, placing them behind only Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings in terms of final appearances. It also became the second-biggest win margin in IPL knockout history after Rajasthan Royals’ 105-run victory over Delhi Capitals in 2008. With momentum strongly in their favour and confidence soaring within the squad, RCB will now head into the final aiming to defend the title they won for the first time last season and further cement their dominance in the tournament.

Also Read: R Ashwin Analyzes Controversial Rajat Patidar Dismissal in GT vs RCB IPL Match