Execution under pressure will be a determining factor: Rajat Patidar

Royal Challengers Bengaluru captain Rajat Patidar believes execution and composure in the crunch moments will decide the outcome of the Qualifier 1 against Gujarat Titans, as the two franchises enter the IPL 2026 playoffs after remarkably similar campaigns over the last few seasons.

“Both the teams are doing pretty well, done pretty well throughout the season. The one thing on the given day who will execute their plan better, who will play better cricket, who will be calm under pressure, I think that team will win the match. I think both the teams are equally good. We have to be calm under pressure. Of course, it is a big stage, Qualifier 1. We have to hold our nerves and be confident in whatever we are doing.”

“Our strength is bowling. The way we bowl in the Powerplay, I think that will be very crucial. Everyone in the team knows that we are not here to defend; we are here with the mindset of attacking. We will look for early wickets. That is what we have done so far. Doing the same thing again and again, I think it will make the difference. That is what Bhuvi, Hazlewood and Rasik are doing. We hope that we will continue in the same process.”