Rajat Patidar on RCB’s Trophy Quest: ‘We Already Have One Thanks to Smriti Mandhana’
In the world of Indian Premier League (IPL) cricket, few stories are as captivating as Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s (RCB) relentless pursuit of their maiden title. For 18 long years, RCB has been a franchise synonymous with flair, star power, and heartbreaking near-misses. However, amidst the ongoing IPL 2024 season, captain Rajat Patidar has shifted the narrative with a refreshing perspective, reminding fans that RCB’s trophy cabinet isn’t entirely empty—thanks to the women’s team.
In a candid podcast interview with host Mayanti Langer for the club, Patidar smiled as he addressed the chatter around becoming the first RCB captain to lift the IPL trophy. The 31-year-old batter was quick to point out a historic achievement by the RCB Women’s team, led by Smriti Mandhana. ‘We already have one trophy. The women’s team won the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2024 title under Smriti’s leadership when they defeated Delhi Capitals in a thrilling final earlier this year,’ Patidar remarked. ‘So, no one can say RCB doesn’t have a trophy. Smriti is the first captain to bring silverware to this franchise, and it’s a huge inspiration for us.’
Patidar’s acknowledgment of the women’s team success underlines a broader shift at RCB, where the franchise’s identity is no longer tied solely to IPL disappointments but also to trailblazing achievements in the WPL. Mandhana’s triumph in just the second edition of the WPL, after leading RCB Women to an 8-wicket victory over Delhi Capitals on March 17, 2024, at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, has set a benchmark. With 1675 runs in international cricket and a reputation as one of India’s finest opening batters, Mandhana’s leadership has given RCB a new badge of honor.
Turning back to the IPL, Patidar didn’t shy away from the expectations weighing on his shoulders as the men’s team skipper. ‘The pressure to deliver is always there, but I see it as an opportunity to shine,’ he said with quiet confidence. RCB’s campaign in IPL 2024 has been nothing short of a rollercoaster, but with 8 wins and 16 points from 11 matches, the team sits in a promising second spot on the points table. As the tournament resumes on May 17, RCB is gearing up for a crucial stretch, starting with a high-octane clash against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the iconic Eden Gardens.
With just three league-stage games remaining, a single victory could seal RCB’s spot in the playoffs. After facing KKR, Patidar’s men will take on Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on May 20 and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) on May 23. Each match promises to test RCB’s resolve, especially with Patidar leading a squad brimming with talent like Virat Kohli, who is currently the leading run-scorer of the season with over 500 runs, and young guns like Cameron Green, who have added balance to the side.
Patidar, known for his aggressive spin-bashing style and a memorable 112-run knock in the IPL 2022 Eliminator against LSG, remains optimistic. His journey from a relatively unknown domestic player to captaining one of the IPL’s biggest franchises is a story of grit. ‘Every game is a final for us now,’ he emphasized. ‘We’re inspired by Smriti and the women’s team. If they can do it, so can we.’
As RCB stands on the cusp of history in IPL 2024, Patidar’s words serve as a reminder that trophies are not just about silverware but about rewriting narratives. While the men’s team continues its quest for IPL glory, the women’s triumph under Mandhana remains a beacon of hope. For fans who have waited almost two decades, the question isn’t just about winning but about building a legacy. Can Patidar emulate Mandhana and become the second RCB captain to lift a trophy? Only time will tell, but for now, the fire burns bright in Bengaluru.