Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s strong run in IPL 2026 has been shaped by a combination of leadership, batting intent, and disciplined bowling, with Rajat Patidar, Virat Kohli, and Josh Hazlewood emerging as central figures in the side’s setup.
There are moments in sport where instinct takes over calculation, and Rajat Patidar’s batting often reflects that fine balance. His approach at the crease carries a fearless edge, reminiscent of a sports betting enthusiast willing to take risks.
That trait has been evident since his earlier days, including a Vijay Hazare Trophy innings where he produced an attacking fifty against Mohammed Shami and Ashok Dinda. Even then, his shot selection suggested a mindset driven by intent rather than caution — a batter prepared to go for the next stroke regardless of the outcome.
Patidar’s Leadership and Influence
Patidar continues to display that same unpredictability in the current IPL season, with strike rates nearing 200 against both pace and spin. His method is equally evident in training, where he can shift gears instantly — defending a few deliveries before unleashing a ramp shot or going aerial down the ground.
This instinctive style brings to mind players from a different era, including former Australia captain Kim Hughes, who was known for a similarly bold batting mindset.
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Beyond his batting, Patidar has also emerged as a composed leader. He holds the distinction of being the first captain to lead Royal Challengers Bengaluru to an IPL title, a milestone that has cemented his place in the franchise’s history.
Ahead of a recent match, Josh Hazlewood highlighted Patidar’s leadership qualities, describing him as “he is a calm character”.
Kohli’s Preparation and Hazlewood’s Approach
Another key figure in the RCB setup is Virat Kohli, whose presence continues to anchor the batting unit. However, he has recently dealt with a minor niggle and even featured as an impact substitute in the previous game against LSG.
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During recent training sessions in Bengaluru, Kohli appeared fluent while facing pace, showing intent with a range of strokes. He stepped down the track to seamers and even attempted shots against left-arm spin, indicating comfort and freedom in his movement at the crease.
Hazlewood, meanwhile, took a measured approach to preparation. Rather than extensive bowling, he focused on maintaining fitness levels, jogging around the Chinnaswamy Stadium. Speaking about his training routine, he explained, “For T20, your volume doesn’t have to be huge at training, it’s just reaching that intensity that the game demands out in the middle.”
The Core of RCB’s Setup
Kohli and Patidar may operate in slightly different roles, but they share a crucial trait — the ability to reset mentally and focus solely on the next ball. That clarity, visible even in practice sessions under the Bengaluru sun, forms a key part of RCB’s approach.
Alongside Hazlewood’s experience with the ball, the trio represents the backbone of the current RCB lineup — combining composure, aggression, and tactical awareness.
