We are Not Here to Defend, We are Here With the Mindset of Attacking: Rajat Patidar

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) captain Rajat Patidar believes execution under pressure and staying committed to the team's strengths will be decisive when RCB face Gujarat Titans in Qualifier 1 on Tuesday night.

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 the Final on the line, Patidar believes 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 as per a press release from RCB.

"It is a big stage, Qualifier 1. We must hold our nerves and be confident in whatever we are doing," he added.

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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.

Patidar reserved special praise for Venkatesh Iyer who has scores of 73* and 44 in his last two outings against Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), once in the middle-order and against SRH as an opener.

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."

Reflecting on his own captaincy journey, Patidar credited the support system around him and the experience available within the group.

"To be honest, I do not 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 as a leader," he added.

"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."

(With inputs from ANI)