Top News

Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s 2026 IPL title defence was powered by experience, culture, tactics and analytics. Captain Rajat Patidar, who scored 501 runs at a 192.69 strike rate, credited analyst Freddie Wilde for improving his game, especially against elite spinners. Video-based preparation and data insights helped him read bowlers better, boosting confidence and match performance.

Bangalore: Royal Challengers Bengaluru's successful defence of their IPL title in 2026 was built on several pillars, experienced players, a strong team culture, tactical clarity and fearless cricket. Yet, one of the lesser-known stories behind the campaign was the role analytics played in helping captain Rajat Patidar elevate his game against some of the world's most challenging bowlers.

Patidar enjoyed one of the finest seasons of his IPL career, scoring 501 runs in 14 innings at an average of 41.75 and a strike rate of 192.69, while smashing 42 sixes (third-most in the tournament) and 30 fours. He also showcased his all-round power-hitting credentials this season, with 27 of his 42 sixes coming against pace bowling. His standout innings, a blistering 93 off 33 balls against Gujarat Titans in Qualifier 1, further highlighted that versatility, with seven of his nine sixes in the knock coming against pacers.

Yet, Patidar believes one of the biggest improvements in his batting came against spin.

"People always used to say I am a spin basher. But to be honest, picking the ball from their hands, the credit goes to Freddie because he helped me a lot."