<p>Ahmedabad: There’s no denying the weight of expectations that will be riding on the shoulders of Royal Challengers Bengaluru captain Rajat Patidar when he leads the side in the IPL final against Punjab Kings on Tuesday and the unassuming batter felt not getting overawed by the occasion is the best way to deal with it.</p>.<p>The fans have been screaming for that elusive IPL trophy following 17 seasons of heartbreak while the losses in all the three finals they’ve contested in hangs like a heavy cross on the franchise. “No one can deny the expectations, but I think for me it’s important to be in the present situation. I always look at what is in my hand, what we can control. So I always believe in controlling the controllable,” said Patidar at the pre-match press conference at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Monday.</p>.IPL 2025 | Who will scratch 18-year itch?.<p>Patidar, a surprise pick for captaincy in a franchise that’s famous for star power, has been a revelation this season with his highly underrated leadership skills. Just like how he has brought a turnaround in the fortunes of Madhya Pradesh in the domestic circuit, he has steered RCB to a first final in nine years in a calm and unassuming manner.</p>.<p>He’s managed stars like Virat Kohli, Josh Hazlewood, Phil Salt and Krunal Pandya adeptly while being a guiding force for talents like Jitesh Sharma, Devdutt Padikkal and Suyash Sharma. Patidar opined leading a side with an open mind is the key to success.</p>.<p>“Till now I think I have enjoyed a lot, to be honest. For me I think it is a great opportunity to learn from the great players and great foreigners. They have different ideas which is helping me a lot in my new leadership role. I always like to keep things simple.”</p>.<p>Punjab Kings’ captain Shreyas, meanwhile, lauded head coach Ricky Ponting who has orchestrated a remarkable turnaround in the fortunes of the immensely underperforming side. “He is an amazing coach who manages the players precisely. And I personally feel that one thing that stands out with him is that he treats everyone equally. So that gives a real big boost to every individual, whether he is a junior or a senior coach.</p>.<p>“When you know that the coach is treating everyone equally, you are positive. And you get that freedom to go out there and express to the best of your abilities.”</p>
<p>Ahmedabad: There’s no denying the weight of expectations that will be riding on the shoulders of Royal Challengers Bengaluru captain Rajat Patidar when he leads the side in the IPL final against Punjab Kings on Tuesday and the unassuming batter felt not getting overawed by the occasion is the best way to deal with it.</p>.<p>The fans have been screaming for that elusive IPL trophy following 17 seasons of heartbreak while the losses in all the three finals they’ve contested in hangs like a heavy cross on the franchise. “No one can deny the expectations, but I think for me it’s important to be in the present situation. I always look at what is in my hand, what we can control. So I always believe in controlling the controllable,” said Patidar at the pre-match press conference at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Monday.</p>.IPL 2025 | Who will scratch 18-year itch?.<p>Patidar, a surprise pick for captaincy in a franchise that’s famous for star power, has been a revelation this season with his highly underrated leadership skills. Just like how he has brought a turnaround in the fortunes of Madhya Pradesh in the domestic circuit, he has steered RCB to a first final in nine years in a calm and unassuming manner.</p>.<p>He’s managed stars like Virat Kohli, Josh Hazlewood, Phil Salt and Krunal Pandya adeptly while being a guiding force for talents like Jitesh Sharma, Devdutt Padikkal and Suyash Sharma. Patidar opined leading a side with an open mind is the key to success.</p>.<p>“Till now I think I have enjoyed a lot, to be honest. For me I think it is a great opportunity to learn from the great players and great foreigners. They have different ideas which is helping me a lot in my new leadership role. I always like to keep things simple.”</p>.<p>Punjab Kings’ captain Shreyas, meanwhile, lauded head coach Ricky Ponting who has orchestrated a remarkable turnaround in the fortunes of the immensely underperforming side. “He is an amazing coach who manages the players precisely. And I personally feel that one thing that stands out with him is that he treats everyone equally. So that gives a real big boost to every individual, whether he is a junior or a senior coach.</p>.<p>“When you know that the coach is treating everyone equally, you are positive. And you get that freedom to go out there and express to the best of your abilities.”</p>