'Biggest eye-opener for me in life': Dinesh Karthik lauds RCB captain Rajat Patidar's character
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) mentor
has heaped praise on the new skipper
, lauding the batter's grounded nature and unchanged behaviour even after taking over the leadership reins of the franchise.
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Patidar, 32, was a surprise pick as RCB captain ahead of IPL 2025, especially given his limited captaincy experience — his most notable being leading Madhya Pradesh to the final of the 2024/25 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. Yet, according to Karthik, the responsibility hasn't altered Patidar's core character.
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"Rajat Patidar has been the biggest eye-opener for me in life," Karthik said on the second episode of RCB's Journey to the Finale.
"Because when people suddenly get a little bit of adulation, power, they tend to change… But with Rajat Patidar — what a guy. He has been exactly the same that he was before becoming the captain."
RCB have ended a nine-year wait to reach the IPL final, steamrolling Punjab Kings in the Qualifier 1 with an eight-wicket win. A collective bowling effort dismantled PBKS for 101 in 14.1 overs before Phil Salt's 27-ball 56 sealed a swift chase in just 10 overs.
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Director of Cricket Mo Bobat echoed Karthik's sentiments, praising Patidar's calm, collaborative approach: "He's incredibly calm. And it's been good to see him use the people around him — Jitesh, Virat, Krunal, Josh. He's embraced everyone's strengths."
IPL 2025 Winner Prediction: What Greenstone Lobo's Astrology says
As RCB prepares for their shot at the elusive title, it's Patidar's humility and quiet steel that seem to be powering the charge.
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