Ravichandran Ashwin compares Rajat Patidar-Virat Kohli relationship to Ramayan as RCB win IPL 2026
A Testament to Leadership: The RCB Dynamic in 2026
The conclusion of the IPL 2026 season saw the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) cementing their status as a dynasty, securing their second consecutive trophy in a clinical display at the Narendra Modi Stadium. While the victory over the Gujarat Titans was a team effort, much of the conversation post-match has centered on the unique leadership bond between captain Rajat Patidar and the legendary Virat Kohli. Offering his expert perspective, veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin recently provided a fascinating analogy to describe this partnership.
The Ramayan Analogy
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ravichandran Ashwin provided a deep dive into the team dynamics that led to RCB’s success. He specifically pointed to the pre-match huddle, where Rajat Patidar consciously stepped back to allow Virat Kohli to motivate the squad. Ashwin noted, Ravichandran Ashwin compares Rajat Patidar-Virat Kohli relationship to Ramayan as a way of illustrating the selfless nature of the current captaincy.
Ashwin elaborated, “The partnership is like, ‘Big brother, you take care of the team, I’m just the captain.’ You run this team, but I will just be the leader. Like what Bharat did with Ram’s slippers in Ramayan, Rajat did that here. The way Virat was talking, Rajat Patidar was watching him with the team, literally giving that space to Virat.” This comparison highlights a rare maturity in modern cricket, where ego takes a backseat to team success.
Virat Kohli’s Enduring Influence
Despite passing on the official captaincy, Virat Kohli remains the heartbeat of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru. His impact on the 2026 season was nothing short of extraordinary. Kohli finished the tournament as the fourth-highest run-scorer, accumulating 675 runs in 16 innings at an impressive average of 56.25 and a blistering strike rate of 165.84. His unbeaten 75 off 42 balls in the final served as the cornerstone of the chase.
Ashwin emphasized that Kohli’s leadership is intrinsic, regardless of titles. “Virat Kohli is an alpha in a team, and he will always remain an alpha. Even if he is not captaining, he will remain the alpha,” Ashwin stated. This natural authority, paired with Patidar’s willingness to leverage Kohli’s experience, created a perfect synergy that proved impossible for opponents to overcome.
Tactical Mastery and Minor Missteps
The IPL 2026 final was a showcase of disciplined bowling. After winning the toss and electing to field, Patidar’s side restricted the Gujarat Titans to a manageable total of 155/8. Rasikh Dar Salam was particularly effective, claiming 3/27, supported well by seasoned campaigners like Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood, who chipped in with two wickets apiece.
While the performance was dominant, Ashwin was quick to provide a balanced critique of the tactical approach. He identified the decision to hand the opening over to Jacob Duffy as the team’s only notable error. Duffy conceded 13 runs, placing immediate pressure on the fielding side. Ashwin noted, “RCB’s first and only mistake in the match was giving the first over to Jacob Duffy… They did not make any mistakes after that.”
A Legacy of Team Spirit
The success of the 2026 campaign is a reflection of the culture established within the Bengaluru camp. By fostering an environment where a young captain can find strength in a former leader rather than feeling threatened, the organization has created a model of stability. As the cricket world reflects on this second consecutive title, it is clear that while the skill of players like Kohli and the bowling unit provided the talent, the psychological alignment—as observed by Ashwin—provided the winning edge. The transition from one era of leadership to another has been handled with a grace that echoes the ancient values of responsibility and mutual support, ensuring that the legacy of RCB continues to grow stronger with every passing season.
