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Its A Final, But For Me Its A Normal Game: Patidar Focuses On Staying Calm Ahead Of IPL Title Clash

Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) captain Rajat Patidar is keeping emotions and expectations in check ahead of the IPL 2026 final against the Gujarat Titans, insisting that Sundays title clash at the Narendra Modi Stadium is 'a normal game' for him despite the stakes involved. RCB enter the final as defending champions after another dominant campaign in which they topped the league standings and secured direct qualification for the summit clash with a crushing 92-run win over the Gujarat Titans in Qualifier 1. Speaking ahead of the final, Patidar said the team is drawing confidence from both its recent performances and the memories of last years title-winning campaign at the same venue. Feeling great, back-to-back finals, and on the same ground. So, there are a lot of memories of last year. Its a final, its a big stage, but for me I think its a normal game, Patidar said in a video released by RCB on X. The RCB skipper stressed the importance of staying focused on the present rather than getting carried away by the occasion. I always like to take a big game also as a normal game. And I always try to be more in the present. I dont want to think too much ahead. That its going to be final. What is going to happen. Nothing about the result. Stay more in the present, he added. RCB have been one of the standout teams of IPL 2026, finishing the league stage with nine wins from 14 matches. Their campaign featured impressive victories over Chennai Super Kings, Mumbai Indians, Kolkata Knight Riders and Punjab Kings, while the side also responded strongly to difficult phases during the tournament. Patidar credited the collective effort of the squad for helping the franchise reach a second consecutive final. We should be proud of the way we played till now in this tournament. Everyone has dominated. Everyone has contributed for the team. So its a good positive sign for them, he said. Reflecting on the opportunity to return to the Narendra Modi Stadium, Patidar said the team is eager to add another special chapter to its history. Great memories here. And we want to create some more memories in a couple of days time, he said. Head coach Andy Flower echoed his captains confidence while praising the teams consistency throughout the season. Feeling great, back-to-back finals, and on the same ground. So, there are a lot of memories of last year. The boys have done a brilliant job over a period of time to get here, Flower said. And get here with some style as well. It takes a lot of hard work and thought and courage from the boys out here, in the middle, in games, and a lot of nerve to top the table in this league. But theres more to do, obviously, he added. Feeling great, back-to-back finals, and on the same ground. So, there are a lot of memories of last year. The boys have done a brilliant job over a period of time to get here, Flower said. Also Read: Live Cricket Score RCB will now look to complete a successful title defence when they face the Gujarat Titans on Sunday, with Patidars men aiming to become only the third team in IPL history to win back-to-back IPL trophies. Article Source: IANS