Royal Challengers Bengaluru skipper Rajat Patidar opened up on his strengths ahead of the ipl 2026 Qualifier 1. The defending champions, after finishing first in the standings following the league-stage games in IPL 2026, will lock horns with the second-seeded Gujarat Titans in the first Qualifier of the season. Both teams will clash on Tuesday, May 26 at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala. Ahead of the contest, RCB skipper Patidar opened up on his strengths as well as lauded his teammates.

Patidar was addressing the media where he said that his communication, calmness and the way he backs his instincts is his strength. โ€œI try to communicate as much as possible. My strength is calmness and the way I back my instincts,โ€ said the IPL 2025 winning captain. Speaking about his teammates including Virat Kohli, he said that he tries to learn a lot from them all. "I get so many ideas from the likes of Virat Kohli, Devdutt, Jitesh, Hazlewood, Tim David. Their ideas and experiences help me a lot,โ€ Patidar told the media.

We are not here to defend: RCB skipper Rajat Patidar ahead of crucial Q1 IPL 2026 clash

While talking to the media, Patidar also pointed to RCBโ€™s bowling group as one of the biggest strengths of the team. He also added that their attacking mindset has played a key role in shaping their campaign. "Our strength is bowling, and the way we bowl in the power play will be very crucial," Patidar said.

"Everyone in the team knows that we are not here to defend, we are here with the mindset of attacking and we will look for early wickets. That is what Bhuvi, Hazlewood and Rasikh have been doing and we hope to continue in the same process," he added.

Speaking about the forthcoming game, he opined, "Both teams have done really well throughout the season. On the given day, whichever team executes their plans better, plays better cricket and stays calmer under pressure, I think that team will win the match. It is a big stage, Qualifier 1. We must hold our nerves and be confident in whatever we are doing."