As the dust settles on the recent T20 World Cup, former Indian all-rounder and T20 World Cup champion Irfan Pathan has turned his attention to the upcoming 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) season, offering a keen analysis of the potential hurdles facing the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). While RCB etched their name in history by clinching their maiden IPL title last year, a triumphant feat largely attributed to the stellar performances of wicketkeeper-batter Phil Salt and captain Rajat Patidar, Pathan has identified a concerning dip in form for both key players.
Form Slump: A Worrying Sign for RCB?
Phil Salt, the explosive English opener, endured a rather subdued T20 World Cup campaign, managing to register only a single half-century. This lack of consistent scoring from a player expected to provide fiery starts will undoubtedly be a point of concern for RCB’s think tank.
Similarly, Rajat Patidar, who has been entrusted with the captaincy, has also seen his domestic form falter. His recent outings in the Vijay Hazare Trophy saw him accumulate a modest 67 runs across three matches. Even in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, he could only muster 113 runs over seven innings. This dip in runs, especially when stepping into a leadership role, raises questions about his current state of readiness.
“This year they will have some challenges,” Pathan remarked, articulating his concerns on his YouTube channel. “Phil Salt is not in form. Even in the World Cup recently, he scored only one fifty. Rajat Patidar’s form in domestic cricket has not been great either. As captain, it is very important for you that you feel well. That will be a matter of concern.”
The Captaincy Conundrum: Calm Under Pressure?
Irfan Pathan acknowledged the significant faith placed in Rajat Patidar by head coach Andy Flower, particularly highlighting Patidar’s renowned ability to maintain composure in high-pressure situations. However, the cricketer-turned-commentator expressed reservations about whether Patidar can sustain this characteristic calmness when confronted with the immense expectations that come with leading a defending championship side.
Flower’s belief in Patidar’s capabilities is well-documented. The decision to appoint him captain was reportedly based on his calm demeanour and long-term potential. “Andy Flower believes a lot in Rajat’s ability,” Pathan stated. “He was made captain looking at his calmness, looking at him for a long time, following his demeanor. Andy Flower has himself told he stays calm.”
The true test, according to Pathan, will be how Patidar handles adversity, especially in the initial stages of the tournament. “This will be the real challenge for Rajat,” he explained. “You have set a level and now you have to maintain that. You will not have the services of your frontline pacer at the start. How will he stay calm then? It will all depend on that.”
Navigating the Absence of a Key Pacer
Adding another layer to RCB’s pre-season challenges is the anticipated absence of their frontline pace bowler, Josh Hazlewood. Pathan pointed out that Hazlewood is likely to miss the initial phase of the tournament, a factor that could significantly impact the team’s bowling attack and put added pressure on their new captain. The team’s ability to adapt and perform without a crucial member of their bowling unit will be a critical indicator of their resilience.
Tim David’s Form: A Glimmer of Hope?
While acknowledging the recent struggles of Australian batter Tim David, who could only manage six runs in two innings during the T20 World Cup, Pathan remained cautiously optimistic about RCB’s overall batting prowess. He suggested that the pitches in the IPL are generally more conducive to batting, which could provide the impetus for players like David to rediscover their form.
“Tim David is also not in his usual form. It was not seen in the T20 World Cup,” Pathan observed. “Yes, there will be better pitches in the IPL and these batters can regain their form. I am still not worried about their batting a lot.” This sentiment suggests that despite individual players facing form slumps, the collective batting strength of RCB, bolstered by potentially more favourable playing conditions, might still be a formidable force in the upcoming season. The team’s ability to manage these challenges and harness their batting talent will be key to their title defence.
