Royal Challengers Bengaluru captain Rajat Patidar has dismissed speculation surrounding a potential return to India’s T20I squad, saying his focus remains firmly on the present as RCB prepares for the IPL 2026 final against Gujarat Titans. Despite enjoying one of the best seasons of his career, Patidar stated that he is not thinking about national team selection and is instead concentrating on helping his franchise secure another title. His comments came on the eve of the IPL final, where RCB will aim to continue their impressive run in the tournament.

Patidar’s performances this season have naturally placed him in discussions about a possible India comeback. The right-handed batter has scored 486 runs in 14 matches while simultaneously leading Royal Challengers Bengaluru to a second consecutive IPL final. However, the 33-year-old remained reluctant to discuss international ambitions, emphasizing that his priority is the team’s success rather than personal milestones. He also brushed aside suggestions about potentially captaining India in the future, stating that he does not visualize himself in that role.

Reflecting on RCB’s growth in recent years, Patidar credited the team’s success to a collective sense of responsibility rather than dependence on a few star players. According to him, every member of the squad now contributes with a clear understanding of their role, whether with the bat or ball. He noted that the franchise’s mindset has evolved from simply aiming to qualify for the playoffs to consistently targeting championship success, a change that has helped establish RCB as one of the IPL’s most competitive sides.

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The RCB captain also stressed that last season’s title-winning campaign has not altered the team’s approach. Instead of viewing themselves as defending champions, the squad has treated IPL 2026 as a completely new challenge. Patidar said the team’s objective remains unchanged — to win another title rather than protect past achievements. He believes maintaining a fresh perspective has allowed the players to remain focused and motivated throughout the season.

Beyond his on-field contributions, Patidar highlighted the importance of supporting younger players dealing with the pressure of representing a high-profile franchise like RCB. Drawing from his own experiences, he encourages newcomers to trust their strengths, ignore external distractions, and focus on what they can control. As Bengaluru heads into another IPL final, Patidar’s leadership philosophy of responsibility, self-belief, and staying present continues to shape the team’s pursuit of back-to-back championships.

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