<\/p>\n
A new chapter unfolded for Royal Challengers Bengaluru when Rajat Patidar lifted the IPL trophy \u2013 something past captains hadn\u2019t done since the league began in 2008. Victory came in 2025, marking a historic moment under his leadership. Their next step? A strong beginning to defend that crown, defeating Sunrisers Hyderabad right out of the gate. Later, laughter followed as Patidar joined a quickfire game of questions. Each reply revealed small glimpses behind the calm face. Answers poured in, one after another.<\/p>\n
Virat Kohli top scorer<\/p>\n
Rohit Sharma Captain<\/p>\n
Faf du Plessis top fielder<\/p>\n
Eden Gardens top away venue<\/p>\n
Virat Kohli Cover Drive Player<\/p>\n
Dale Steyn top fast bowler<\/p>\n
Sunil Narine top spinner<\/p>\n
AB de Villiers top finisher<\/p>\n
Jasprit Bumrah Death Over Bowler<\/p>\n
Virat Kohli stands out in team attire<\/p>\n
Romario Shepherd Music Taste<\/p>\n
That time, Patidar called Virat Kohli the best at chasing down targets in the squad. Watching from the sidelines, he finds Kohli\u2019s approach at the crease something he\u2019s long respected. The way Kohli picks his moments to score stands out. Reading how a game unfolds seems natural for him, according to Patidar.<\/p>\n
Kohli stood tall when it mattered, smashing 69 not out from 38 balls \u2013 five boundaries, five towering hits beyond the fence \u2013 to guide his team past Sunrisers Hyderabad. Chasing what looked like a steep hill, the defending champs reached 202 in barely more than halfway through their innings. Just 15.4 overs on the clock, and the job was done under clear skies at the season\u2019s first clash in 2026.<\/p>\n
\u201cVirat Kohli is our number one chase master, as we all know. I have always admired his batting, and watching him bat from the dugout-the way he played his shots and assessed the situation-was really good to see,\u201d Patidar told reporters.<\/p>\n
That quick RCB bowler Jacob Duffy? Patidar called him a sharp T20 hand, noting how well he\u2019s stuck to plans. Trust in him runs deep within the group. His delivery under pressure has hit the right notes more often than not.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe\u2019s a specialist T20 bowler, and we have a lot of confidence in him. That\u2019s why we\u2019ve given him a chance. The way he\u2019s delivering and showcasing his skills has been tremendous,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n
Three wickets fell thanks to Duffy, steering RCB past Sunrisers Hyderabad by six wickets. Their IPL 2026 journey opened with victory, sparked by his sharp bowling. Honoured as Player of the Match, he stood out under pressure<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n