Rajat Patidar will captain the Central Zone squad for the 2026 Duleep Trophy in Bengaluru (Aug 23-Sep 10), with Rinku Singh as vice-captain. Saransh Jain, part of India's Test squad, is expected to miss early matches, potentially making his Test debut against Sri Lanka.
Former India batter Hanuma Vihari criticized the Indian team management for excluding Rajat Patidar from the T20I squad for the Zimbabwe series, despite India's seven-wicket victory in the opening match. Vihari highlighted Patidar's strong IPL performances and leadership, questioning the squad's balance with numerous left-handed batters and the omission of experienced players like Kuldeep Yadav and Sanju Samson.
Former India batter Aakash Chopra believes Rajat Patidar's T20I return is unlikely due to India's current batting lineup, which offers little room for him. Chopra cited the strong presence of left-handers in the top order and the established middle order as reasons why Patidar might not get a chance soon, despite his domestic T20 success.
Former India cricketer Saba Karim believes Suryakumar Yadav's place in the T20 side is under scrutiny due to inconsistent form, potentially impacting India's plans for the 2028 T20 World Cup. Karim also backed Rajat Patidar for captaincy.
Former India cricketer Saba Karim believes Suryakumar Yadav's T20 place is uncertain for the 2028 World Cup due to inconsistent form. Karim backs Rajat Patidar for captaincy and highlights Vaibhav Sooryavanshi as a future prospect.
Former Australia captain Michael Clarke believes Royal Challengers Bengaluru skipper Rajat Patidar deserves more recognition for his performances in the IPL. Clarke highlighted Patidar's leadership and batting prowess, suggesting he should be considered for the Indian T20 and potentially ODI teams.
Rajat Patidar has achieved a historic feat, becoming the first captain since MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma to win consecutive IPL titles. His journey from a quiet player to an inspirational leader is highlighted by his childhood friend and coach, emphasizing his calm demeanor, strategic thinking, and evolved batting prowess.
Rajat Patidar lauded Krunal Pandya's "aura" in an Instagram post after RCB's back-to-back IPL title wins. Pandya contributed 226 runs and 14 wickets, becoming a key "clutch" player.
Rajat Patidar, childhood friends with Abhishek Pathrod, has achieved a remarkable feat by leading Royal Challengers Bengaluru to two consecutive IPL titles, a record previously held by MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma. Patidar's calm leadership and evolved batting prowess have been key to RCB's success.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru celebrated their second consecutive IPL title win by discussing the possibility of a historic "three in a row" in 2027, a feat never before achieved in the league's history. Director of Cricket Mo Bobat challenged the team, with captain Rajat Patidar expressing confidence.
IPL-2026 season saw a 15-year-old rewrite batting records, Virat Kohli's reinvention, and Rajat Patidar's captaincy. The Team of the Tournament highlights these defining stories and performances.
Rajat Patidar praised Krunal Pandya's "aura" in an Instagram post after RCB's second consecutive IPL title win. Pandya was a key player, contributing 226 runs and 14 wickets, and achieving his fifth IPL title overall.
England football captain Harry Kane congratulated Royal Challengers Bengaluru on winning their second consecutive IPL title, praising Virat Kohli's performance in the final against Gujarat Titans.
England football captain Harry Kane congratulated Royal Challengers Bengaluru on winning their second consecutive IPL title, praising Virat Kohli's performance in the final against Gujarat Titans.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have successfully defended their Indian Premier League (IPL) title, defeating Gujarat Titans (GT) in the final. This marks their second consecutive IPL championship, showcasing a dominant team performance throughout the season.
Virat Kohli scored an unbeaten 75 to guide Royal Challengers Bengaluru to a five-wicket victory over Gujarat Titans in the IPL final. Kohli finished the season with 675 runs, earning praise from coach Andy Flower and Sunil Gavaskar for his match-winning abilities.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have won their second consecutive IPL title, defeating Gujarat Titans in the 2026 final. The team showcased complete domination throughout the season, with strong performances from both batting and bowling units, led by captain Rajat Patidar and star player Virat Kohli.
Rajat Patidar captained Royal Challengers Bengaluru to their second consecutive IPL title, defeating Gujarat Titans in the 2026 final. This historic win makes RCB the third franchise to achieve back-to-back titles, with Patidar joining elite company as a captain.
Virat Kohli's intense passion and unbeaten 75 guided Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) to their second consecutive IPL title, defeating Gujarat Titans (GT) by five wickets. RCB's bowlers restricted GT to 155/8 before Kohli led the chase, securing the win with 20 balls remaining.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru, led by captain Rajat Patidar, are poised to defend their IPL title after a dominant campaign, standing one win away from consecutive championships.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) defeated Gujarat Titans by 92 runs in the first IPL qualifier, led by Rajat Patidar's unbeaten 93 off 33 balls, to reach their second consecutive IPL final.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru defeated Gujarat Titans by 92 runs in IPL 2026 Qualifier 1, with Rajat Patidar scoring 93* off 39 balls. Virat Kohli's on-field moment, pretending to bowl, went viral despite not bowling.
Rajat Patidar's unbeaten 93 off 33 balls, with 9 sixes and 5 boundaries, led RCB to a record 254/5 in IPL Qualifier 1, defeating Gujarat Titans by 92 runs. R Ashwin praised Patidar's batting, notably a backfoot six off Kagiso Rabada as potentially the 'shot of the tournament'.
Rajat Patidar scored 93 off 33 deliveries, hitting 9 sixes (7 against pacers), to power Royal Challengers Bengaluru in IPL 2026 Qualifier 1 against Gujarat Titans, showcasing fearless batting and skill against both spin and pace.
