Rajat Patidar Credits Faf du Plessis for Shaping His RCB Leadership Style
The Evolution of a Leader at Royal Challengers Bengaluru
In the high-stakes environment of the Indian Premier League, the transition from a standout player to the captain of a franchise is rarely straightforward. For Rajat Patidar, the current leader of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), the journey has been defined by his ability to synthesize lessons from mentors and predecessors. Following their historic title win in 2025, RCB has continued to exhibit championship-caliber cricket in 2026, currently sitting at the top of the table with 18 points from 13 matches. As they eye a rare back-to-back title run, the focus has shifted toward Patidar’s unique leadership style.
The Faf du Plessis Factor
While the presence of a legend like Virat Kohli in the dressing room is an obvious asset, Patidar has pointed to another former captain as his primary blueprint for leadership. In a candid interview with Sportstar, Patidar emphasized that he deliberately avoided the temptation to simply mirror the styles of those who came before him. Instead, he found a specific, transformative influence in Faf du Plessis.
“It was crucial not to copy any of the predecessors,” Patidar stated. “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.” This focus on individual connection and outward confidence has clearly translated into the cohesive, high-performing unit that RCB has become under his tenure.
Tactical Mentorship and Preparation
Leadership for Patidar is not solely about interpersonal management; it is deeply rooted in the analytical side of the game. He credited his Madhya Pradesh coach, Chandrakant Pandit, for instilling the discipline required to operate at the highest level. Pandit’s decades of experience—split between playing and coaching—provided Patidar with a masterclass in preparation.
“Chandu sir taught me how meticulously you can prepare for a cricket game, how deeply you can study it,” Patidar explained. He noted that Pandit’s tactical acumen was a revelation, changing the way he views the flow of a T20 match and the necessity of game-specific planning.
Refining the Art of Batting
Beyond his responsibilities as a captain, Patidar remains a cornerstone of the RCB batting order. Despite some recent external scrutiny regarding his style, he remains clear-headed about his progression. Growing up, his technique was rooted in multi-day cricket, a foundation he has successfully adapted to the explosive demands of the IPL.
“My batting was of the multi-day mould while growing up, but I still had a good strike rate in this format,” he said. “I have been able to get that clarity on how to bat across formats. I worked on my T20 game and tried to add to my strengths.” While fans often praise his ability to dominate spin, Patidar revealed a personal preference for facing pace, a trait that has served him well in high-pressure chases.
Looking Ahead to the Playoffs
The 2026 season has been a whirlwind for the 32-year-old. With 337 runs in 11 innings at a blistering strike rate of 192, his statistical contribution is undeniable. However, the path to the finals has hit a few speed bumps, including a recent concussion that forced him to miss the match against the Punjab Kings. As the team gears up for a crucial encounter against the Sunrisers Hyderabad, all eyes will be on their captain to see if he can return to lead them into the final stages of the tournament. With 10 wins now within their reach, RCB is on the verge of setting a new record for the franchise, proving that their 2025 triumph was only the beginning of a new era.
