AHMEDABAD: Rajat Patidar's scintillating performance in the IPL 2026 campaign has inevitably placed him in the national spotlight, but the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) skipper insists his attention remains firmly on the upcoming final. The 32-year-old has amassed 486 runs in 14 matches at an impressive average of 44.18 and a staggering strike rate of 196.76, including five half-centuries, leading RCB to yet another title clash.
Patidar's Stance on India Selection
"I'm not looking forward to any selection regarding India," Patidar stated during the pre-final press conference on Saturday. He was equally guarded when questioned about the possibility of captaining India in the T20 format. "I don't visualise being the T20 captain of India. Every captain wants to win trophies. Last year we did it, but this is a new season. You can't keep talking about the past," he added.
Focus on the Final
Patidar's consistent run-scoring has been a cornerstone of RCB's success this season. His ability to anchor innings while maintaining a high strike rate has drawn praise from cricket pundits. However, the skipper remains grounded, prioritising team goals over individual accolades. "My focus is on the final. We have worked hard as a unit, and that's what matters now," he said.
With the IPL final approaching, Patidar's leadership and batting form will be crucial for RCB's title aspirations. The team will look to replicate last year's success, but Patidar emphasised the importance of treating each season as a fresh challenge.
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