Virat Kohli’s services for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the 18 seasons of IPL have been surreal, to say the least. Despite giving his best in multiple editions of the tournament, the stalwart has failed to get his hand on coveted IPL trophy.

In all, RCB have played a total of three finals in 2009, 2011 and 2016 and have ended up on the losing side in each of the summit clashes. On Tuesday (June 2), they will have another opportunity to end their title drought.

On the eve of the IPL 2025 Final against Punjab Kings (PBKS), RCB skipper Rajat Patidar acknowledged Virat Kohli’s immense contributions to the franchise. He also understands what it would mean for the team to win the IPL title for the legendary batter.

"Of course. I think he has given a lot of years to RCB and the international side also. We will try to do our best in the game," Patidar said in the pre-match press conference.

When asked if focus on one player alone was frustrating given RCB have been one of the most dominant sides in this competition, Patidar replied, "I think it is not frustrating for me..

"We are not looking on the stage that we are in the finals. We will try to play our best cricket. We are not playing here for the stage. I always like to keep things simple," he added.

Kohli’s fan following has certainly helped RCB pull capacity crowd even while playing away from home, and Patidar said that gives them feeling of being on their home ground.

"Wherever we go, we feel that the crowd is a home ground for us and (given) the way they are showing support and love from the (last many) years," he said.

RCB, however, will be worried over the availability of big-hitting Tim David, who has not featured in their last two matches due to a hamstring injury.

"Till now, I have no idea about Tim David. Doctors are there and we will get to know this evening," the RCB captain said.

For Patidar, it will be a big challenge given he was named RCB's captain only before the start of the tournament while his counterpart Shreyas Iyer led Kolkata Knight Riders to the IPL title last year.

"Till now, I have enjoyed a lot to be honest. For me, I think it is a great opportunity to learn from the great leaders of the game, (some) great players, great foreign players of the game. It is a great opportunity for me to learn from them and their different ideas, which is helping me a lot in my leadership role," Patidar stated.

"I have always tried to create a good environment off the field as much as I can so that every player, whether it is a domestic player or an international player, they both feel the same. They should feel relaxed and confident. I think this is my first point," he remarked.

(With PTI Inputs)