RCB and GT will square off in the IPL 2026 Qualifier 1 in Dharamsala on May 26.
Both teams enter this playoff match completely even, having shared a 1-1 head-to-head record during the league stage. While the defending champions won the first encounter by 5 wickets at Chinnaswamy Stadium, GT bounced back to claim the reverse fixture by 4 wickets at Narendra Modi Stadium.
With a direct route to the final at stake, Patidar reckons composure could separate the two sides.
"Both teams have done really well throughout the season. On the given day, whichever team executes their plans better, plays better cricket and stays calmer under pressure, I think that team will win the match," Patidar said, as per a press release from RCB.
"It is a big stage, Qualifier 1. We must hold our nerves and be confident in whatever we are doing," he added.
Patidar emphasized that claiming early wickets will be RCB's primary objective, shifting the pressure entirely onto the opposition's top order.
"Our strength is bowling, and the way we bowl in the powerplay will be very crucial. Everyone in the team knows that we are not here to defend; we are here with the mindset of attacking, and we will look for early wickets. That is what Bhuvi, Hazlewood and Rasikh have been doing, and we hope to continue in the same process," the captain stated.
Rajat Patidar praised Venkatesh Iyer for his adaptability and patience. Venkatesh capitalized on opportunities in the last two games, scoring an unbeaten 73 against PBKS in the middle order and 44 against SRH as opener, after putting in continuous hard work behind the scenes.
"I know Venky from childhood, and the way he presents himself is extraordinary. The way he plays in any given situation and his flexibility in the batting order, I really like his attitude."
"He was preparing himself even when he wasn't getting opportunities. The work he put in during nets and the way he communicated showed he was ready, and as soon as he got the opportunity, he cashed in," Patidar remarked.
Patidar credited RCB’s management, coaching staff, and senior players for easing the pressure on him as a leader.
"To be honest, I do not need to do so much extra. Our management, coaching staff and senior players have a lot of experience, and that is helping me a lot as a leader," he said.
"I get so many ideas from the likes of Virat Kohli, Devdutt, Jitesh, Hazlewood and Tim David. Their ideas and experiences help me a lot, and I try to communicate as much as possible. My strength is calmness and the way I back my instincts."
Patidar stressed the importance of season's leading wicket-taker, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, and how the latter actively shares his experience and game awareness with the team's younger bowlers.
"I always say that Bhuvi is an experienced bowler and he knows his strengths. The way he talks to the junior players, especially the bowlers, makes his presence in the team very important," Patidar said.
"In the IPL, it is difficult for bowlers, and sometimes you get hit, but what matters is how confident you are and how much clarity you have about your role," he concluded.
(With ANI Inputs)