Patidar looks very composed and calm under pressure – Anil Kumble on RCB's captain

RCB took a plunge in IPL 2025 with a captaincy shift decision that came after hours of mulling and deliberation. Rajat Patidar was appointed as the RCB skipper ahead of IPL 2025 and he proved his worth immediately, propelling the team to their first-ever IPL trophy. It was a season to savour and Patidar’s composure played a key role in defining the season for the Royal Challengers.

Speaking on JioStar, former RCB captain Anil Kumble highlighted the challenges Patidar might face going into the latest iteration of the IPL. The iconic leg-spinner opened up on the sky-high expectations that will require some intense decisions. However, Kumble also believes Patidar’s calm will see him through.

Kumble said, “It’s not going to be easy for Rajat Patidar’s RCB to win back-to-back titles. Only CSK and MI have managed to win trophies on a continuous basis before. But I think Rajat Patidar has done well as captain in his first season.”

Explaining Patidar’s captaincy pick, Kumble added, “When he was announced as skipper, many of us were surprised because everyone expected Virat Kohli to handle the duties again. But the team management decided to go with Patidar and it paid off. He only had experience of captaining Madhya Pradesh and did well in domestic cricket.”

Kumble continued, “He was identified as the skipper and with the experience he had, he led really well. In terms of using the resources in the bowling lineup, he did a good job. RCB put together a strong bowling unit and their spinners came to the party. That was the difference. Now it will be challenging because expectations will be high. But he looks very composed and calm under pressure. That is his USP. That should work for him. I am sure.”