Royal Challengers Bengaluru Not Playing as Defending Champions, Says Rajat Patidar

Royal Challengers Bengaluru captain Rajat Patidar insisted that his side is approaching the 2026 IPL season with a fresh mindset despite entering the tournament as defending champions.

Speaking after RCB’s nine-run defeat to Lucknow Super Giants on Thursday, Patidar dismissed suggestions that the team may be carrying pressure or complacency following their maiden IPL title triumph in 2025.

“We are not playing as defending champions this season,” Patidar said after the match. “We have the opportunity to become champions once again. We have to play an attacking game. We are not playing with a defensive mindset. This is a new season. What we did was in 2025.”

The defeat was RCB’s fourth loss of IPL 2026 — the same number of defeats they suffered throughout their title-winning campaign last year. However, the Bengaluru side still remains third on the points table with six wins from their campaign so far.

Marsh’s Blitz Sets Up LSG Win

RCB were chasing a challenging 210-run target in a rain-affected 19-over contest in Lucknow. Despite staying competitive for most of the chase, a slow start in the powerplay and a middle-order collapse proved costly.

RCB managed only 45 for 2 during the powerplay before losing momentum further in the middle overs, where they added just 29 runs while losing three wickets.

Patidar credited Mitchell Marsh for putting his bowlers under pressure early in the innings. Marsh smashed a brilliant 111 off 56 balls to anchor LSG’s total.

“I will start with Mitchell Marsh. He batted really well on this wicket, which was a good batting track,” Patidar said. “The way he started in the powerplay, I think he put pressure on us.”

The RCB skipper, however, praised his bowlers for regaining control after the early assault and making a comeback into the contest following a rain interruption.

“After that, the way our bowlers controlled it — there was a break in between and it rained — so we got time to think,” he added. “Overall, the way they started and the way we finished, I think I am very satisfied with the way we bowled and controlled the game. We were just two shots behind in the end.”

Patidar, Padikkal Shine in Chase

RCB’s chase was revived by Patidar’s aggressive 61 off 31 balls and his 95-run partnership with Devdutt Padikkal for the third wicket. The stand came off just 53 deliveries and briefly brought RCB back into contention.

Late fireworks from Tim David, who hammered 40 off 17 balls, gave RCB hope in the final overs. However, they still required 20 runs from the last over, where Digvesh Rathi held his nerve and conceded only ten runs to seal the win for LSG.

‘RCB Fans Make Every Ground Feel Like Home’

Although RCB have enjoyed a strong 4-1 record in Bengaluru this season, the franchise is currently away from home and will play its final two home fixtures in Raipur.

Patidar, though, believes RCB’s massive fan following ensures the team never truly feels like it is playing away.

“We never feel that we are playing an away game,” he said. “I think this is the speciality of the RCB fans. They come and support us everywhere.”