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Key Points

Rajat Patidar, captain of Royal Challengers Bengaluru, emphasized the significance of finishing second in the IPL points table. This position offers a strategic advantage, boosting team morale and increasing their chances in the playoffs. Patidar and Josh Hazlewood both acknowledge the challenge of facing Punjab Kings, particularly given the home ground advantage. The RCB team is focused on recovery and maintaining a positive mindset ahead of the crucial Qualifier-1 match.

Key Points: Rajat Patidar Values RCB's Second Place IPL Finish

  • Rajat Patidar stresses the top-two finish boosts RCB's morale
  • Patidar and Hazlewood underscore strategic advantage against Punjab Kings
  • RCB focuses on quick recovery and positive mindset
2 min read

It was very important for us to be in the top two: Rajat Patidar reflects on RCB finishing on second in IPL points table

RCB skipper Rajat Patidar emphasizes top-two finish in IPL as key to title hopes.

"It's very important for us to be in the top two. - Rajat Patidar"

New Delhi,, May 29

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) skipper Rajat Patidar emphasised the importance of RCB finishing in the top two, as planned.

He highlighted the team's need to recover quickly, including rest during travel, and mentioned the positive mindset and recovery of the team after their last fixture against the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)on Tuesday, in the ongoing Indian Premier League.

Stand-in captain Jitesh Sharma arguably played the knock of his life and lifted RCB to a handsome victory as they overcame LSG with a six-wicket triumph in the final group stage game of the 18th season IPL.

After this win, RCB finished the group stages second in the points table with 19 points and booked a place in Qualifier-1 to face Punjab Kings (PBKS) on Thursday.

"It was very important for us to be in the top two. That's what we had planned for, and having achieved that, it is a big boost for RCB. We have less time before our next match, so we will look to recover quickly and take a nap while travelling. Everyone is in a good frame of mind and recovering well from the last game in Lucknow," Rajat Patidar said, according to a press release from RCB.

RCB seamer Josh Hazlewood also spoke about the importance of finishing in the top two for RCB, giving them a second chance. He acknowledged Punjab Kings as a tough opponent, especially playing at their home ground, where they have an advantage.

"Yes, it's important to be in the two. I think in this format, it helps to have two bites of the cherry. Someone goes off, and they win the game, and all of a sudden, you are out, after so long at the top. (Punjab Kings) is a tough opposition, and we are playing at their home ground where they have played quite a number of games this season. So, they'll know the conditions well," Josh Hazlewood said.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru Full Squad: Philip Salt, Virat Kohli, Mayank Agarawal, Rajat Patidar(c), Jitesh Sharma(w), Romario Shepherd, Krunal Pandya, Tim David, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Yash Dayal, Suyash Sharma, Rasikh Dar Salam, Manoj Bhandage, Swapnil Singh, Liam Livingstone, Mohit Rathee, Swastik Chikara, Abhinandan Singh, Josh Hazlewood, Nuwan Thushara, Blessing Muzarabani.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

Here are 6 diverse Indian perspective comments for the RCB IPL article:
A
Arjun K.
What a turnaround by RCB this season! From being written off to finishing second - this shows the never-say-die spirit. Patidar's leadership has been impressive. Hope they can go all the way this time! #PlayBold 💪
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Priya M.
While the top-2 finish is great, RCB's middle order still looks shaky. Over-reliance on Kohli and Patidar could hurt them in playoffs. Need more consistency from others like Jitesh Sharma who showed promise in last match.
R
Rahul S.
Hazlewood is spot on about the advantage of top-2 finish. In IPL, that second chance is golden! PBKS will be tough but RCB has momentum. Just hope our bowlers don't choke like previous seasons. 🤞
S
Sanjana T.
As a die-hard RCB fan since 2008, this season gives me hope! The way they've fought back shows character. But playoffs are different ball game altogether. Need to handle pressure better than past years. #EeSaalaCupNamde
V
Vikram J.
Good to see Indian players stepping up under pressure. Patidar as stand-in captain and Jitesh with that crucial knock - this is what IPL is about! Hope they continue this form against PBKS.
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Neha P.
The real test begins now! RCB always does well in league stages but falters in playoffs. Hope this year is different. They need to play fearless cricket and not get bogged down by expectations. All the best boys! 🏏

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