‘It is special for me, Virat Kohli, and fans’ – Rajat Patidar opens up on RCB’s IPL 2025 win

‘It is special for me, Virat Kohli, and fans’ – Rajat Patidar opens up on RCB’s IPL 2025 win (Source: Getty Images)

Skipper Rajat Patidar opened up on Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)‘s maiden title win in the post-match conference and claimed it a special one for him, Virat Kohli, and every fan who supported the team in their toughest times. Patidar felt they could win the title after the way they beat Punjab Kings in Qualifier 1 to cruise into the grand finale, which was played at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad on Tuesday, June 3. 

The Indore-born was happy with the way his bowlers executed their plans. He praised left-arm spinner Krunal Pandya highly and regarded him to be a wicket-taking bowler, especially in the night of the finals. The RCB captain further felt the entire bowling unit consisting of Josh Hazlewood, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Yash Dayal, Suyash Sharma, and Romario Shepherd did the job well.

“It is really special for me, special for Virat Kohli and all the fans who have supported us for years. So, I think they all deserve it. After Qualifier 1, we thought we could do this. I think 190 was a good score on this track because it was a bit slow. The way our bowlers executed their plans was tremendous to watch,” he said at the post-match presentation.

“Of course, he [Krunal Pandya] is a wicket-taking bowler. Whenever I come under pressure, I check where KP is. I had a lot of belief in him. Suyash [Sharma] also bowled really well throughout the season, and all the bowlers, fast bowlers, Bhuvi [Bhuvneshwar Kumar], Yash [Dayal], [Josh] Hazlewood. And the way Romario [Shepherd] came in and the way he gave two-three overs and that breakthrough [Shreyas Iyer’s wicket], I think that was really special,” Patidar added.

Virat Kohli and fans deserve it more than anyone: Rajat Patidar

When asked about Virat, the RCB skipper claimed it was a great opportunity for him to lead the star player, which provided him with a lot of learning. Patidar felt Kohli and all fans deserved the title more than anyone. He claimed the management, support, and coaching staff deserved to win the title for their support to the players.

“It’s a great opportunity for me to captain him [Kohli], and it was a great learning for me. And as I said, I think he deserves it more than anyone else – Virat Kohli and all the fans. And after that, I think everyone who has supported, everyone, the management, the support staff, the coaching staff. I think the way they have supported every player, I think that was beautiful,” Patidar added.