RCB captain Patidar dedicates IPL 2026 title to stampede victims

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) captain Rajat Patidar dedicated the team’s second consecutive Indian Premier League (IPL) title to fans who died in a stadium stampede during last year’s victory celebrations. The dedication occurred following the team’s triumph over the Gujarat Titans in Ahmedabad, with Patidar pausing to honour those he described as the franchise’s “family members” amidst the celebrations.

At 33 years of age, Patidar became only the third captain in IPL history, after Rohit Sharma and MS Dhoni, to win back-to-back trophies. The final took place on the eve of his 33rd birthday, a milestone he described as the “best gift” he could have asked for, while emphasising that the collective achievement superseded individual glory.

Patidar credited his personal success, which included scoring 501 runs in 15 matches, to meticulous preparation and technical adjustments made with mentor Dinesh Karthik. He noted that extensive work on trigger movements and technical changes provided the clarity required for his best IPL campaign since joining the franchise in 2021.

The skipper also highlighted a shift in RCB’s team culture and mindset since his arrival, stating that the current environment marked a clear change from previous years. Head coach Andy Flower has previously credited seamer Bhuvneshwar Kumar for delivering consistent performances under pressure, a factor he identified as critical to the team’s recent successes.

With the second consecutive title secured, the team’s focus has shifted toward achieving a historic third consecutive title. Patidar acknowledged the significance of the moment but stressed the need to stay present, noting that winning trophies requires a sustained focus on future objectives rather than resting on past achievements.