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A new chapter unfolded for Royal Challengers Bengaluru when Rajat Patidar lifted the IPL trophy – something past captains hadn’t 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.

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That time, Patidar called Virat Kohli the best at chasing down targets in the squad. Watching from the sidelines, he finds Kohli’s approach at the crease something he’s long respected. The way Kohli picks his moments to score stands out. Reading how a game unfolds seems natural for him, according to Patidar.

Kohli stood tall when it mattered, smashing 69 not out from 38 balls – five boundaries, five towering hits beyond the fence – 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’s first clash in 2026.

“Virat 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,” Patidar told reporters.

That quick RCB bowler Jacob Duffy? Patidar called him a sharp T20 hand, noting how well he’s stuck to plans. Trust in him runs deep within the group. His delivery under pressure has hit the right notes more often than not.

“He’s a specialist T20 bowler, and we have a lot of confidence in him. That’s why we’ve given him a chance. The way he’s delivering and showcasing his skills has been tremendous,” he added.

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