RCB vs GT: Rajat Patidar warns Gujarat Titans ahead of IPL 2026 Qualifier 1; ‘We are not here to defend’

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) captain Rajat Patidar admitted that execution under pressure and staying committed to the team’s strengths will be decisive when the defending champions take on Gujarat Titans in Qualifier 1 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) on Tuesday in Dharamsala.Both RCB and Gujarat Titans qualified for IPL 2026 playoffs after finishing in the top two of the league table following the group stage. The two sides shared the spoils in their league-stage meetings this season, with RCB claiming the first encounter by five wickets, at home, before Gujarat Titans secured a four-wicket triumph in the reverse fixture.With a direct route to IPL 2026 final on the line, Patidar opined composure could separate the two sides. “Both teams have done really well throughout the season. On the given day, whichever team executes their plans better, plays better cricket and stays calmer under pressure, I think that team will win the match,” Patidar said on the eve of the game.“It’s a big stage, Qualifier 1. We must hold our nerves and be confident in whatever we are doing.” Patidar also pointed to RCB’s bowling group as one of the team’s defining strengths this season and reiterated the attacking mindset that has shaped their campaign.“Our strength is bowling and the way we bowl in the powerplay will be very crucial,” he said. “Everyone in the team knows that we are not here to defend, we are here with the mindset of attacking and we will look for early wickets.

That is what Bhuvi, Hazlewood and Rasikh have been doing and we hope to continue in the same process.”Venkatesh Iyer gets special praisePatidar reserved special praise for Venkatesh Iyer who has scores of 73* and 44 in his last two outings. Highlighting both his flexibility and attitude throughout the season, Patidar said. “I know Venky from childhood and the way he presents himself is extraordinary. The way he plays in any given situation and his flexibility in the batting order, I really like his attitude.“He was preparing himself even when he wasn’t getting opportunities. The work he put in during nets and the way he communicated showed he was ready, and as soon as he got the opportunity, he cashed in.” said Patidar.Reflecting on his own captaincy journey, Patidar credited the support system around him and the experience available within the group. “To be honest, I don’t need to do so much extra,” he said. “Our management, coaching staff and senior players have a lot of experience and that is helping me a lot.“I get so many ideas from the likes of Virat Kohli, Devdutt, Jitesh, Hazlewood and Tim David.

Their ideas and experiences help me a lot and I try to communicate as much as possible. My strength is calmness and the way I back my instincts,” added Patidar, who led RCB to IPL 2025 title.Patidar also underlined the importance of the season's leading wicket taker, Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s presence within the dressing room and the influence he continues to have on younger bowlers.“I always say that Bhuvi is an experienced bowler and he knows his strengths,” Patidar said. “The way he talks to the junior players, especially the bowlers, makes his presence in the team very important.In the IPL, it is difficult for bowlers and sometimes you get hit, but what matters is how confident you are and how much clarity you have about your role.”Will Phil Salt play in RCB vs GT?Asked about the availability of opener Phil Salt, who recently returned from England after getting his injured finger treated, Patidar did not give a straight answer. "He is fit and doing drills but we have not decided the playing XI yet," he said.Salt had a tremendous start to IPL 2026. Opening the batting with Virat Kohli, the RCB opener scored 202 runs in his first seven games before a finger injury forced him to return home for treatment.

After spending nearly a month at home, Salt has rejoined RCB and was seen in the dugout during their match against Sunrisers Hyderabad.With Jacob Bethell returning home, there is a strong possibility that Salt might return. At the same time, Iyer has fared well as an opener for RCB in the last two games. It will be interesting to see whether RCB tinker with their opening combination in the knockouts.Catch the live updates from IPL 2026 with the complete IPL 2026 Schedule and the IPL 2026 Points Table.

Also, know who are currently leading the charts in IPL 2026 Orange Cap and IPL 2026 Purple Cap.