RCB Skipper Rajat Patidar Is Equal To MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma : Ex India Cricketer

Rajat Patidar created IPL history by guiding Royal Challengers Bengaluru to a second straight title. The team beat Gujarat Titans in a one-sided final at Narendra Modi Stadium on Sunday, May 31. With this defence, Patidar became only the third captain to retain an IPL crown after MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma. Patidar also achieved consecutive titles in the first two seasons as captain.

Patidar took over leadership in 2025 and carried heavy expectations from the Royal Challengers Bengaluru supporters. RCB, packed with match winners across the order, looked dominant throughout the final. Patidar stayed relatively quiet on the field but handled tactics and player management confidently, helping the group control crucial moments.

Rajat Patidar IPL title draws praise from Saba Karim

Former India selector Saba Karim highlighted how Rajat Patidar’s calm attitude shaped Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s success. Karim compared Patidar with MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma for this quality. "One of the biggest reasons behind RCB winning a second consecutive title has been the clarity around individual roles within the team, and Rajat Patidar deserves a lot of credit for that," Karim said on JioStar.

Karim pointed to Patidar’s rise from squad player to captain of Royal Challengers Bengaluru. "If you look at his journey, he came in as a replacement player and eventually became the captain. For someone without international experience, earning respect in a dressing room filled with world-class players, including Virat Kohli, is not easy. Rajat earned that respect through consistent performances." Karim also noted Patidar’s impact on the bowling group.

"Once he established himself, he became instrumental in shaping this side. He has played a major role in building a strong bowling unit. I also see a lot of clarity in his captaincy. When we talk about captains who have led teams to consecutive titles, names like MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma come up, and I can see similarities in the way Rajat Patidar leads this team."

Rajat Patidar IPL title reaction after Gujarat Titans win

Rajat Patidar admitted feeling overwhelmed after sealing Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s second IPL trophy against Gujarat Titans. Patidar said becoming captain in 2025 brought heavy pressure. The leader explained that belief within the squad grew during the latest campaign.

"Never dreamt I'd win two (IPLs) for RCB. It's all written. Last year, there was a lot of pressure. This year, we were confident. All were in a good frame of mind as compared to last year. Pre-tournament prep was very good for me," Patidar said after the match, reflecting on the contrasting seasons.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s back-to-back triumphs under Rajat Patidar have placed the captain alongside MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma in IPL history. Patidar’s composed style, clear planning and consistent performances now define expectations around the franchise.