Former Indian batter Mohammad Kaif praised Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s coaches for backing Rajat Patidar as a leader in the IPL. Patidar has been able to lead RCB to back-to-back titles and has delivered, both as a leader and a batter.

The RCB captain amassed 501 runs in 14 innings at an average of 41.75 and a strike rate of 192.69 in the recently concluded season. Patidar took the attack on the opposition bowlers in the middle overs and made a huge difference with his aggressive approach.

Patidar took over the captaincy baton from Faf du Plessis ahead of IPL 2025 edition and since then, there has been no turning back.

“I liked Patidar’s captaincy a lot. He is always relaxed under pressure. He never said we are here to defend the title but to win it and dominate and win. I would want to give credit to the coaches for picking him as captain. Others go after brand and look to make a big name a captain. Franchises go after brand. But that is a mistake. Patidar is setting this trend that the one who captains in domestic will get the chance. Massive respect to those who take the calls at RCB for making him the captain. He was not a big brand, right? They saw he could lead and made him the captain,” he said on his YouTube channel.

The former UP batter said Patidar was able to develop his leadership qualities in the domestic circuit while leading Madhya Pradesh.

“At 32, he is also not a youngster. But he has learnt the art of captaincy in domestic cricket, having spent time there. He has used his bowlers well and knows what to do where. Other franchises who make this mistake, remember that you will get a brand but not the trophy. This trend will be followed in the time to come. Even Ishan Kishan did such a great job, Cummins came in later. Patidar has set this trend, and this will be followed in the future,” he added.

Patidar would look to continue the good show.