IPL 2026: RCB’s collective effort makes us a complete team, says Mo Bobat

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (Pic: ANI)

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) director of cricket Mo Bobat credited the team's collective performances and fearless identity after the reigning champions dominated the Gujarat Titans (GT) in Qualifier 1 to secure their second consecutive IPL final appearance.

During Tuesday's encounter, RCB posted a massive total of 254 runs before bowling out GT for just 162 runs. The emphatic victory was powered by captain Rajat Patidar's unbeaten 93 off 33 deliveries, followed by a disciplined bowling performance.

"I'm especially pleased that we've got a number of people contributing to wins. We're not too dependent on one or two players with the bat or one or two with the ball. We've got a number of people contributing, and that's the really pleasing thing," Bobat said after the 92-run win.

"If everybody contributes and fulfils their roles, then results should take care of themselves. That's probably the most encouraging thing to come out of today's game, as well as the fact that obviously you're into the final," he added.

Bobat also praised skipper Patidar, whose explosive innings completely shifted momentum after RCB lost early wickets in their innings.

"He's certainly batting brilliantly right now, and that was a really special knock today. I'm sure he'll be really pleased about being able to stand up in a big qualifier and a big game. I think any team that's got the captain playing well, fills them with even greater confidence. He's leading by example." Bobat said.

Bobat hails Rajat Patidar's impact as a captain

Describing Patidar as a calm and composed leader, Bobat said the RCB captain's game awareness and ability to handle pressure have been among the standout aspects of his development this season.

"One of the things he's done well this year is he's picked his moments really well. A game like today, he took his time to get in after we lost a couple of wickets, built a little partnership and then went through the gears again," he said.

"That takes a real level of discipline and sophistication to your thinking and planning. His reading of situations and conditions and knowing when to go to his top gears and when to drop down a gear is a really impressive part of his development," he concluded.

(With PTI inputs)