Rajat Patidar, the captain of Royal Challengers Bengaluru, had nothing but praise for Virat Kohli after his outstanding performance in the IPL 2026 opener. Kohli’s unbeaten half-century led RCB to a comfortable six-wicket victory in the chase, showcasing his skills as a “number one chase master” according to Patidar.

Patidar was in awe of Kohli’s innings, complimenting his shot execution and composure under pressure. He emphasized Kohli’s ability to set the benchmark for the team and his dedication to performing at his best in every match. Patidar also highlighted Kohli’s influence beyond the field, noting his intensity and eagerness to excel in training sessions.

Describing Kohli as his idol, Patidar expressed his admiration for the senior player’s approach to the game. He mentioned that he is constantly learning from Kohli by observing him closely in both practice and matches. The RCB skipper credited the entire batting unit for their exceptional performance in executing the chase successfully.

Overall, Patidar was impressed by the team’s display of skill and teamwork in achieving the victory. He commended all the batsmen for their contributions and acknowledged their efforts in securing the win. The captain’s words reflected a sense of pride and admiration for Kohli and the team’s performance in the opening match of the IPL 2026 season.

The article was published on March 29, 2026.

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