New Delhi: Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) would be gunning to lift their maiden Indian Premier League (IPL) title when they lock horns with Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the IPL 2025 final on Tuesday, June 03. Speaking on the eve of the final, RCB skipper Rajat Patidar said he and his team want to win the trophy for Virat Kohli.
Kohli, one of RCB’s greatest servants, has been with the franchise since the inception of the IPL in 2008, but is yet to win his maiden title with the team. Kohli was roped in by RCB fresh after leading India to the U19 World Cup triumph in 2008 and soon went on to become one of the best batters in world cricket. Kohli has been a consistent performer for RCB over the years, but has failed to inspire them to IPL glory.
He led the team for nine seasons from 2013 to 2021, and came close to ending the trophy drought as captain in 2016. However, RCB lost to Sunrisers Hyderabad in the final to miss out on the elusive trophy. RCB have now reached the final for the first time since 2016 and will be hoping to help Kohli end his quest for his maiden title.
“We will try and win this for him. He has done so well for India and RCB over the years,” RCB captain Patidar said at the press conference on the eve of the IPL 2025 final on Monday.
Kohli has once again been one of RCB’s most consistent batters in the ongoing IPL 2025 and has played a key role in helping them reach the final. He is currently the leading run-getter for RCB this season with 614 runs from 14 matches, including 8 half-centuries and will be hoping to play an impactful role in the summit clash against Punjab Kings on Tuesday.
Rajat Patidar reflects on his captaincy journey
Patidar stands on the cusp of history in his maiden season as captain of RCB, as he is just one win away from becoming the first captain to lead his franchise to IPL glory. Patidar was appointed as captain after RCB let go of former skipper Faf du Plessis ahead of the current season. The Madhya Pradesh batter has enjoyed a terrific tournament as captain, with his team exceeding expectations.
Patidar said he has not let the expectations of leading RCB to their first title overburden him and is focused on staying in present. He also thanked the secure environment at RCB for their dominant run to the final and said there are no signs of nerves as they gear up to take on a spirited Punjab Kings in a blockbuster final.
“Expectations come naturally, especially when you’re leading a team like RCB in a final, but I always focus on what’s in my control and try to stay in the present,” said Patidar.
“This captaincy journey has been a great learning experience for me. Being around some of the best leaders and foreign players in the game has really shaped my approach. I’ve focused on creating a relaxed and secure environment, where both domestic and international players feel confident. We’re not thinking too much about the stage; we’re here to play our best cricket,” he added.
RCB stormed into the final after dismantling Punjab Kings in Qualifier 1 and will be hoping to replicate their heroics when they meet Shreyas Iyer & Co. in the title clash on Tuesday. This will be the fourth meeting between the two teams this season, with RCB winning the last two matches between them.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) captain Rajat Patidar has said his team would try to win the IPL 2025 title for Virat Kohli. RCB will take on Punjab Kings in the IPL 2025 final on Tuesday. IPL Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
