#SkipperSpeak: Shubman Gill Backs GT's Mindset, RCB’s Patidar Calls for Fresh Focus

The stage is set for the IPL 2026 final at Ahmedabad's Narendra Modi Stadium, where Gujarat Titans and defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru will battle for the title. Ahead of the summit clash, captains Shubman Gill and Rajat Patidar shared their thoughts on handling pressure, maintaining consistency and preparing for cricket's biggest franchise occasion.

Why does Shubman Gill believe mental toughness will decide the IPL final?

Gujarat Titans captain Shubman Gill acknowledged that the hectic travel schedule could have some physical impact on players but insisted that the final would ultimately be decided by mindset rather than fitness.

"But yes, physically they might have an advantage, but I think finals are all about mental toughness. So the team that is mentally up for the challenge is the one that's going to win," he said.

Gill also spoke about his broader ambitions in international cricket, saying his focus remains on continuous improvement across all formats.

"I'd be happy to play if, you know, I get picked for the T20 team. But I honestly want to keep working on my game. Doesn't matter what format it is. I want to keep getting better as a T20 batsman, as an ODI batsman, as a Test batsman, you know, cricket is such a game you can never really get perfect, but obviously you can strive for it, and that's what I try to do," he added.

The GT skipper reserved special praise for opening partner Sai Sudharsan, highlighting the youngster's ability to maintain intensity and discipline throughout a demanding tournament.

"I think in a tournament like IPL, you know, when I first started playing, one of the things that one of the challenges that I faced was to keep playing the matches at the same intensity. And I think that is one of his biggest strengths, Sai,” he said.

"But to be able to have the same intensity in all of the matches and be consistent in your preparation, in your routine, is not that easy, and he is very consistent in his routines, in his life outside of cricket. So that's what makes him consistent on the field as well," he added.

Gill and Sudharsan have formed one of the most prolific opening partnerships in IPL history, accumulating 2,944 runs together since 2022. Gill also lauded pace spearheads Kagiso Rabada and Mohammed Siraj, crediting their disciplined execution and effective use of bouncers during the season.

"The message is simple. When you're bowling with the new ball if there is a little bit in the wicket, as a batsman I know the hardest ball to hit is obviously that good length ball, but that good length changes according to the wicket,” he said.

Why does Rajat Patidar want RCB to move on from their 2025 title triumph?

Royal Challengers Bengaluru captain Rajat Patidar said his side cannot afford to dwell on last year's historic title victory as they seek to defend their crown.

RCB booked their place in the final with a commanding win over Gujarat Titans in Qualifier 1, while GT earned a second chance by overcoming Rajasthan Royals in Qualifier 2.

Patidar, who could become only the third captain after MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma to win back-to-back IPL titles, stressed the importance of focusing on the present rather than past achievements.

"Every captain wants to win trophies. We did it last year, but this is a different season. You cannot keep talking about what happened in 2025. We have to stay in the present and do whatever we can to win the title this year,” he said.

The RCB skipper expects a fiercely contested final between two of the tournament's standout teams.

"Both teams have done really well throughout the tournament. It will be exciting and challenging for both teams," he said.

What strengths will Gujarat Titans and RCB rely on in the title clash?

Both captains highlighted the importance of backing their own strengths heading into the final. While Gill emphasised discipline, consistency and mental resilience, Patidar underlined the need for RCB to remain true to their identity.

"It is important to know your strength. You cannot compare yourself with other teams. It is more important to focus on your team and how you play throughout the tournament. According to me, it is more important to play to our strength,” Patidar said.

With Gujarat Titans chasing another IPL crown and Royal Challengers Bengaluru aiming to retain their title, Sunday's final promises to be a battle between two confident sides determined to finish the season on top.

(With inputs from ANI)