Bengaluru: Royal Challengers Bengaluru captain Rajat Patidar has made it clear that his team is not approaching IPL 2026 with the mindset of defending last season’s title, insisting instead that the franchise is focused on becoming champions once again.
Despite entering the season as defending champions, RCB have recently faced a slight dip in momentum after losing their last two matches during a crucial stage of the league phase.
The defeats have tightened the race for a top-two finish in the tournament standings, increasing pressure on teams competing for a favourable playoff position.
However, Patidar indicated that the team is determined to maintain an aggressive and positive approach rather than becoming cautious because of expectations surrounding their title-winning status.
Patidar stresses attacking mindset
Speaking at the post-match press conference in Lucknow, the RCB skipper said the team was not burdened by the responsibility of protecting last year’s trophy.
“We are not playing this season as the defending champions. Instead, we have an opportunity to be champions once again,” Patidar said.
“We are not with the mindset that we need to defend anything. We want to have an attacking game, and with an attacking mindset, we have an opportunity to be champions once again,” he added.
Patidar’s remarks reflected a deliberate shift in mindset often seen among successful teams attempting to avoid complacency or excessive caution after winning major titles.
Cricket analysts note that defending champions can sometimes become overly conservative due to the pressure of retaining a title, especially during the later stages of tournaments.
However, Patidar appeared keen to ensure that RCB continue to play fearless cricket despite their recent setbacks.
RCB trying to stay focused on present season
The RCB captain also emphasised that the franchise does not want to dwell on achievements from the previous season.
According to him, the title won in IPL 2025 belongs to the past, and the team’s entire focus is now on performing strongly in the current campaign.
“The title that we won was for 2025. In this new season, we are trying to stay in the present and do our best for the team,” Patidar said.
The comments suggest that RCB are attempting to maintain clarity and composure at a stage of the tournament where pressure often intensifies.
Although recent losses have raised questions about whether the team is losing momentum ahead of the playoffs, Patidar’s statements indicate there is little concern or panic within the dressing room.
Instead, the captain signalled confidence in the squad’s ability to regain rhythm before the knockout stages begin.
Top-two race remains crucial
RCB remain firmly in contention for a top-two finish, which carries major importance in the IPL playoff structure.
Teams finishing in the top two receive an additional opportunity to reach the final through Qualifier 1, making every remaining league-stage match highly significant.
Observers believe maintaining momentum heading into the playoffs can play a decisive role in determining title contenders.
Patidar’s approach suggests that RCB are attempting to position themselves as aggressive challengers rather than a side weighed down by expectations.
Team determined to remain positive
The captain’s comments have also highlighted the importance of mentality in high-pressure tournaments such as the IPL.
Rather than viewing themselves as a team trying to protect an existing title, RCB appear determined to approach the season with renewed hunger and ambition.
The messaging from the team leadership indicates that the players want to embrace the challenge of winning the championship again instead of becoming overly defensive.
As the league phase nears its conclusion, RCB’s performances in the remaining matches will be closely watched, particularly in the battle for playoff positioning.
For now, Patidar has made the team’s mindset clear — Royal Challengers Bengaluru are not focused on defending the past, but on creating another successful season.
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