RCB's Rajat Patidar steers clear of defensive mindset: Attack and be champions again
LSG vs RCB: Rajat Patidar says RCB are not approaching IPL 2026 as defending champions, insisting the team will keep an attacking mindset as they push for another title despite a recent slump.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru may be the defending champions, but captain Rajat Patidar has made it clear that his side will not carry the burden of protecting last season’s title.
After beginning their IPL 2026 campaign in impressive fashion, RCB have hit a slight wobble at a crucial stage of the league phase, losing their last two matches and allowing the race for a top-two finish to tighten. With the playoffs approaching, momentum can often become as important as points, but Patidar is unwilling to let the pressure of being reigning champions alter the team’s approach.
Not defending, but attacking
Instead of viewing the season as a title defence, the RCB skipper wants his side to embrace the challenge of winning the trophy all over again.
“We are not playing this season as the defending champions. Instead we have an opportunity to be champions once again,” Patidar said at the post-match press conference in Lucknow.
“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.”
It is a subtle but significant shift in mindset.
Defending champions often find themselves slipping into caution, with the fear of losing what they already have influencing decision-making on the field. Patidar, however, appears determined to ensure that does not happen to RCB, especially at a stage of the tournament where hesitation can prove costly.
Leaving 2025 in the past
The RCB captain doubled down on that philosophy, insisting his side would not allow the defending champions tag to push them into a passive frame of mind.
“We are not in a defensive mindset or defensive frame of mind regarding that. 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.”
That approach reflects a team trying to stay focused on the immediate challenge rather than the weight of expectation that comes with being champions.
RCB’s recent defeats may have raised concerns about whether they are losing steam at the wrong time, but Patidar’s comments suggest there is little appetite within the dressing room for panic or self-preservation.
Hunters, not the hunted
Instead, the messaging is clear: RCB would rather be the hunters than the hunted.
With the top-two race still alive, that mindset could prove crucial. A top-two finish offers the safety net of an extra chance in the playoffs, making every remaining match vital.
For Patidar, though, the equation appears simple. RCB are not here to protect last year’s trophy.
They are here to try and win another one.
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