Rajat Patidar Credits Virat Kohli After IPL 2026 Title Win

Rajat Patidar credits Virat Kohli after IPL 2026 title win in the most heartfelt way possible. The Royal Challengers Bengaluru captain stood in front of reporters in Ahmedabad and called Kohli his pillar. He thanked the veteran batter for technical advice, constant support, and the quiet leadership that helped turn RCB into back-to-back champions.

The words landed with weight. Patidar did not rush through the praise. He spoke slowly, choosing each line with care.

The Final That Sealed History

RCB chased 156 against Gujarat Titans and won by five wickets on May 31. Kohli anchored the innings with an unbeaten 75. He reached his fifty in just 28 balls, the fastest of his IPL career in a final. Patidar watched from the dugout and later admitted the innings calmed the entire dressing room.

The chase never felt frantic. Kohli rotated strike, picked gaps, and kept the required rate under control. When the winning runs came, the stadium erupted. Patidar sprinted onto the field first. Kohli followed, and the two embraced near the boundary rope before the rest of the squad joined.

Patidar’s Direct Words on Kohli

“If I speak about Virat Kohli, I don’t have words,” Patidar told the media. “He is used to doing great things. He is a great player, everyone knows him — the way he bats. We all have an opportunity to learn from him on and off the field. We spend a lot of time with him and try to learn whatever he says, regarding cricket or anything else.”

Kohli was my pillar. He stood by every junior member of this squad. He gave batting tips in the nets and calm words in the middle. I kept watching him — on the field, off it, even in practice. That presence changes how everyone around him plays.— Rajat Patidar, RCB captain, post-match press conference, June 1 2026

A Captain Who Learned From the Best

Patidar’s journey carries its own story. He arrived as a replacement player years ago. He worked quietly, scored heavily when given chances, and earned the captaincy before the 2025 season. In his first year as leader he delivered RCB’s maiden title. In year two he repeated the feat.

Only three captains in IPL history have won consecutive titles. Patidar now sits alongside MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma. He is the first to achieve the double in his first two seasons as captain.

Behind the numbers sits a simple truth: Patidar watched Kohli every single day. He absorbed the work ethic, the preparation, the way Kohli handled pressure. That education showed up in Patidar’s own batting and in the culture he built around the group.

The Atmosphere Inside the Stadium

Narendra Modi Stadium felt different on final night. The crowd stayed loud even when GT posted a defendable total. When Kohli walked out to bat, the noise shifted. It became focused. Every ball mattered. When he punched the winning boundary, the stands shook. You could almost feel the relief and joy mix in the air.

Patidar later dedicated the win to RCB fans, including those who suffered in last year’s stampede. The tribute felt genuine. He spoke about carrying their spirit through the entire season.

Why This Moment Matters

Patidar’s public credit of Kohli sends a clear signal. Great teams are built on respect that flows both ways. Kohli could have chased personal milestones. Instead he played the anchor role, protected the middle order, and let the captain lead. Patidar noticed every detail and said so out loud.

That honesty travels. Young players in the RCB setup now see what real mentorship looks like. They see a captain unafraid to share credit. They see a legend still willing to pour everything into the team even late in his career.