'Biggest eye-opener for me in life': DK lauds this RCB player's character

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) mentor Dinesh Karthik has heaped praise on the new skipper Rajat Patidar, lauding the batter’s grounded nature and unchanged behaviour even after taking over the leadership reins of the franchise.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.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!"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."Who's that IPL player?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.

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."

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.