Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) captain Rajat Patidar has urged his side to treat Sunday's IPL 2026 final against the Gujarat Titans at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad as just another match, saying the occasion will not change his mental approach to the game. RCB enter the decider as defending champions, having topped the league table and secured their berth with a commanding 92-run victory over the Titans in Qualifier 1.

Patidar's Mindset Ahead of the Final

Speaking in a video shared by RCB on X, Patidar was composed and deliberate in his messaging. 'It's a final, it's a big stage, but for me I think it's a normal game,' he said. The skipper elaborated that his philosophy has always been to strip away the weight of 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 don't want to think too much ahead. That it's going to be final. What is going to happen. Nothing about the result. Stay more in the present,' he added.

The approach is a familiar one from Patidar, who led RCB to their maiden IPL title last year at the very same venue — a fact he acknowledged adds to the emotional pull of this week. 'Great memories here. And we want to create some more memories in a couple of days' time,' he said.

RCB's Dominant IPL 2026 Campaign

RCB's route to a second consecutive final has been built on collective consistency. The side recorded nine wins from 14 league-stage matches, defeating heavyweights including Chennai Super Kings, Mumbai Indians, Kolkata Knight Riders, and Punjab Kings along the way. Patidar credited the entire squad for the franchise's strong showing. 'We should be proud of the way we played till now in this tournament. Everyone has dominated. Everyone has contributed for the team. So it's a good positive sign for them,' he said.

Notably, RCB also demonstrated resilience during difficult patches in the tournament — a quality that often separates title-winning sides from contenders.

Head Coach Andy Flower on Team Confidence

Head coach Andy Flower reinforced his captain's measured confidence while underlining the effort that went into reaching back-to-back finals. 'The boys have done a brilliant job over a period of time to get here. 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 there's more to do, obviously,' Flower said.

Flower also offered a clear tactical cue for handling final-day pressure. 'I always think it's a good idea to simplify things when you feel under pressure. And I would imagine the guys will have something similar in their head,' he said.

History on the Line at Narendra Modi Stadium

A win on Sunday would make RCB only the third team in IPL history to successfully defend their title in back-to-back seasons — a rare achievement in the tournament's fiercely competitive format. The Gujarat Titans, who themselves won back-to-back titles in 2022 and 2023, will be motivated to deny RCB that distinction on home soil.

With the stage set at the world's largest cricket stadium, all eyes will be on whether Patidar's calm-under-pressure philosophy translates into a second consecutive IPL crown for Royal Challengers Bengaluru.