As Royal Challengers Bengaluru prepare to defend their crown in the IPL 2026 final against Gujarat Titans in Ahmedabad on Sunday, captain Rajat Patidar is approaching the occasion with great calmness. There is always a spotlight on the captain, but Patidar has chosen to focus on the journey rather than the pressure that comes with it. 

"I've never thought about what other captains have done before or whether I want to compete with someone or not. As an individual, as you said, my journey has been a roller-coaster ride, but I've never focused on that. Wherever I am, I focus on the present and do what I can do best. I've never thought too much about moving forward or looking back. Tomorrow is final; we're focused on giving our best," Patidar said at the press conference.

Discussions surrounding India's T20I captaincy and national team selection have gained momentum, but the RCB captain is determined to keep his focus firmly on the present. 

"I haven't visualised myself as India's T20 captain. But at the same time every captain wants to win trophies. So last year we did it (won a trophy), but this is a new season. You can't keep talking about what you did in 2025. You have to be more in the present and do whatever best you can do to win another title."

Since taking charge of the franchise, Patidar has impressed not only with his leadership but also with his composed temperament. Guiding RCB to their maiden IPL title in 2025 during his very first season as captain was a remarkable achievement. However, despite the success, he insists that every match continues to be a learning experience.

"To be honest, I don't think we've changed or we are thinking differently. We are in the same mindset. As I have earlier as well, we're not here with the mindset of being defending champions. We have an opportunity to win one more title. We have to keep the mindset that we are here to win the title, not defend anything. It is a new opportunity to do it again in 2026," Patidar said.