Patidar\u2019s explosive knock powered RCB to a record-breaking 254\/5 against Gujarat Titans in Qualifier 1 before the bowlers completed a dominant 92-run victory at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium on Tuesday.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cHe\u2019s worked incredibly hard on his game with both DK (Dinesh Karthik) and Andy Flower,\u201d Bobat said in the post-match press conference. \u201cOne thing about Rajat is that he middles the ball a lot. Whether it\u2019s pace or spin, front foot or back foot, the ball often hits the middle of his bat. That\u2019s usually a very good sign. He has really strong basics and a fearless intent. Over the last couple of years, we\u2019ve tried hard to make that the identity of our team,\u201d he added.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Bobat praised Patidar\u2019s growth as a batter over the last two seasons and revealed how much effort the captain has put into improving every aspect of his game. \u201cHe\u2019s certainly batting brilliantly right now and has done so throughout the competition. That was a really special knock today, and I\u2019m sure he\u2019ll be very pleased to have stood up in such a big qualifier. Any team whose captain is playing well gets greater confidence from that,\u201d he said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Bobat said Patidar\u2019s aggressive approach and fearless intent have become an important part of RCB\u2019s batting identity this season. \u201cWe\u2019re becoming accustomed to seeing these sorts of knocks from him now. He played some outrageous shots, but it was also the aggressive intent that stood out. That\u2019s leading by example,\u201d he said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Bobat was especially impressed with Patidar\u2019s ability to manage the innings smartly under pressure. After RCB lost quick wickets in the middle overs, the captain briefly rebuilt the innings before launching another brutal attack in the death overs.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cOne of the things he\u2019s done really well this year is picking his moments. Today was similar. After a strong start from the top order, we lost a couple of wickets, and he recognised that it was time for a mini rebuild before accelerating again,\u201d Bobat said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Bobat was especially impressed with Patidar\u2019s ability to manage the innings smartly under pressure. After RCB lost quick wickets in the middle overs, the captain briefly rebuilt the innings before launching another brutal attack in the death overs.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Captain Patidar has been in explosive form for the RCB in IPL 2026, amassing 486 runs in 14 innings at an average of 44.18 and a massive strike rate of 196.76.<\/p>\r\n\r\n