Rajat Patidar Reserves Special Praise For Virat Kohli After IPL 2026 Win

Virat Kohli starred with an unbeaten 75 in the IPL 2026 final as RCB secured a second straight title, while captain Rajat Patidar praised the veteran’s immense impact on and off the field.

Virat Kohli once again proved why he is regarded as one of cricket’s greatest match-winners, producing an unbeaten 75 off 42 balls to guide Royal Challengers Bengaluru to their second consecutive IPL title. Chasing 156 against Gujarat Titans in the IPL 2026 final at the Narendra Modi Stadium, RCB completed the task with ease, winning by five wickets and with two overs to spare.

Kohli anchored the chase from start to finish, ensuring RCB remained in command despite a few middle-order setbacks. His composed knock, coupled with aggressive strokeplay, allowed Bengaluru to comfortably chase down the target and successfully defend the title they had won a year earlier at the same venue.

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Before the chase, RCB’s bowling attack had laid the foundation by restricting Gujarat Titans to 155/8. Washington Sundar top-scored with an unbeaten 50 off 37 deliveries, while Nishant Sindhu chipped in with 20. Rasikh Dar Salam returned figures of 3/27, while Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood claimed two wickets each.

Rajat Patidar Reveals What He Learns From Kohli

RCB captain Rajat Patidar reserved special praise for Kohli after the triumph, highlighting the veteran’s influence beyond his performances with the bat.

“If I speak about Virat Kohli, I don’t have words to explain him. He’s used to doing great things. He’s a great player. Everyone knows him. The way he bats. We all have the opportunity to learn from him. On the field, and off the field.”

Patidar further explained how Kohli’s commitment and work ethic continue to inspire the entire squad.

“We try to learn from him. Whatever he says. Regarding cricket or off the field. He’s going to the players and talking a lot about cricket. I think that is superb. I always keep watching him and what he does. In the field, off the field. In the nets. One thing I have learned a lot from him is his energy on the net. It is similar to how he is playing the match.”

The IPL-winning skipper also joined an elite list, becoming only the fourth captain after MS Dhoni, Gautam Gambhir and Rohit Sharma to win multiple IPL titles as captain.

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Kohli Anchors RCB’s Clinical Run Chase

RCB began the chase positively as Kohli and Venkatesh Iyer stitched together a brisk 62-run opening partnership. The Titans managed to pick up wickets in the middle overs, reducing Bengaluru to 132/5, but Kohli remained unfazed.

The veteran batter controlled the innings with his calculated approach, ensuring the required rate never became a concern. His unbeaten knock featured a blend of timing, placement and authority, helping RCB finish the chase comfortably.

Kohli’s contribution in the final capped off another remarkable IPL campaign. The former RCB captain finished IPL 2026 as the fourth-highest run-scorer, amassing 675 runs in 16 innings at an average of 56.25 and a strike rate of 165.84. His tally included one century, five half-centuries and a highest score of 105*.