Rajat Patidar Reveals Virat Kohli Inspiration and Leadership Philosophy

The Rise of a Leader

The 2026 Indian Premier League season has been defined by the resurgence and dominance of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). Having secured their spot in the playoffs with commanding performances, the spotlight has naturally shifted to their leader, Rajat Patidar. While leading a franchise with such a rich history and immense fan following brings immense pressure, Patidar has navigated the role with poise and tactical brilliance, blending explosive batting with calm decision-making.

The Virat Kohli Factor

In a recent interview, Patidar was candid about the influence of his teammate and legendary batter, Virat Kohli. Despite the weight of his own captaincy responsibilities, Patidar identified Kohli not just as a teammate, but as his ultimate idol. When asked about what he admires most about the former India captain, Patidar was effusive in his praise, highlighting the infectious energy that Kohli brings to the field every single day.

Patidar noted, “I like his energy. There is nothing I don’t like. He’s my idol.” This level of reverence underscores the impact Kohli continues to have within the dressing room, serving as a benchmark for intensity and professionalism that younger players aspire to emulate.

Defining a Unique Leadership Style

Stepping into a role previously held by luminaries like Rahul Dravid, Anil Kumble, and Virat Kohli is no small feat. However, Patidar has shown maturity by choosing to forge his own path rather than mimicking those who came before him. He recognizes that effective leadership is authentic, and he is determined to lead RCB with his own philosophy.

A significant portion of this philosophy has been shaped by the former RCB captain, Faf du Plessis. Patidar expressed deep gratitude for the lessons learned while playing under the South African veteran. According to Patidar, the most valuable takeaway from du Plessis was the art of player management—specifically, how to make every individual in the squad feel valued and important. “It was crucial not to copy any of the predecessors. But there was one thing I was very influenced by from du Plessis: how he spoke to and gave importance to each player. He was confident; his body language conveyed authority on the ground,” Patidar explained.

Tactical Preparation and Mentorship

Beyond his interpersonal skills, Patidar has credited former coach Chandrakant Pandit for his deep tactical understanding of the game. Under Pandit’s tutelage, Patidar learned the importance of meticulous preparation. He credits the veteran coach’s decades of experience—spanning 20 years as a player and another 20 as a coach—for helping him see the game through a more analytical lens.

“Chandu sir taught me how meticulously you can prepare for a cricket game and how deeply you can study it. His tactical strength was eye-opening for me,” Patidar remarked, highlighting how these lessons have been instrumental in his growth as both a batter and a captain.

Facing the Best in the Business

When asked about the challenges of the modern game, the Madhya Pradesh star did not shy away from naming the toughest opponents he has faced. With his own strike rate hovering near 193 in the current season, Patidar understands the intensity of high-level cricket. He identified India’s premier pacer, Jasprit Bumrah, and the Caribbean mystery spinner, Sunil Narine, as the most challenging bowlers to negotiate in the current circuit.

Looking Ahead

As the IPL 2026 playoffs approach, the expectations on Patidar and his team are higher than ever. With 337 runs at an average of 33.70 this season, he has proven that he can lead from the front with the bat as effectively as he can on the field. By combining the infectious intensity of Kohli, the inclusive man-management of du Plessis, and the tactical discipline of Pandit, Rajat Patidar is crafting a blueprint for a successful and modern captaincy that could define the next chapter of RCB’s history.