Daijiworld Media Network - Ahmedabad

Ahmedabad, Jun 2: Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) skipper Rajat Patidar is determined to end the franchise’s 18-year trophy drought and finally deliver the elusive IPL title for the passionate RCB fans — and for Virat Kohli.

Kohli, who has been with RCB since the league’s inception in 2008 and captained the side from 2013 to 2021, has endured heartbreak in three IPL finals (2009, 2011, and 2016).

“Virat has contributed so much over the years; winning would mean a lot, especially for him and the fans,” Patidar said at the pre-match press conference.

Patidar’s RCB enter the final with an advantage, having outclassed Punjab Kings by eight wickets in Qualifier 1 at Mullanpur to secure a direct ticket to the final.

However, Punjab have bounced back impressively, defeating Mumbai Indians in Qualifier 2 at the same venue — thanks to Shreyas Iyer’s unbeaten 87 — to keep their dream of a maiden IPL title alive.

Reflecting on his first season as RCB captain, Patidar said his team is focused on playing their best cricket without overthinking the stage.

“Expectations come naturally, especially when you’re leading a team like RCB in a final, but I always focus on what’s in my control and try to stay in the present,” he said. “This captaincy journey has been a great learning experience for me, being around some of the best leaders and foreign players in the game.

“I’ve focused on creating a relaxed and secure environment where both domestic and international players feel confident. We’re here to play our best cricket,” he added.

Patidar also noted the interesting twist of facing Iyer again in a final — the two had squared off in the 2024 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy final, where Patidar’s Madhya Pradesh lost to Iyer’s Mumbai by five wickets.

“Facing Shreyas again in a final is a nice coincidence, but the challenge is new, and we’re prepared for it,” Patidar concluded.