Rajat Patidar, who stepped into the captain’s role for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in a surprising but exciting turn of events, has already begun to make his mark — not just with the bat, but also with how he leads the team on the field. In a recent chat, he revealed something that caught many fans off guard. When it comes to pressure situations in a match, when the game is hanging by a thread, Patidar doesn’t turn to star pacer Josh Hazlewood — he relies on someone else entirely.
This small yet interesting detail offers a deeper look into Patidar’s leadership style and how he sees his teammates differently. While Hazlewood is a world-class fast bowler with years of experience and a solid reputation for keeping his cool, Patidar has chosen a slightly unexpected name when asked who he trusts most when the heat is on.
Now, to many RCB fans, this may not be too shocking. Siraj has grown by leaps and bounds over the past few seasons, not just in terms of skills but also in maturity and temperament. But in a squad filled with international stars, including the calm and reliable Hazlewood, Patidar’s choice shows a fresh perspective — one that comes from being closely involved with the team, watching players up close, and trusting their energy in key moments.
Patidar explained his reasoning in a humble and down-to-earth way. He said that when pressure builds up, it’s not just about skill, but also about how a player carries himself on the field. “Siraj brings fire. He wants to make something happen every single ball. That hunger — you can feel it. And that’s what I want when the game is on the line,” he shared.
He also spoke about the emotional side of the game — how players react when the crowd gets loud, when the other team is pushing hard, or when there’s just one over to defend. “Siraj never hides. He always wants the ball. That’s what I love about him. He doesn’t shy away. Even if he gets hit for a boundary, he’s back with full energy the next ball. That fight is rare,” Patidar said with genuine admiration.
It’s also worth noting that Patidar and Siraj have spent a fair amount of time together, both being part of the RCB setup for a while. That kind of bond can go a long way in building trust on the field. In T20 cricket, where every ball counts and momentum can shift in seconds, having someone who matches your energy and believes in your vision is priceless.
While many fans would expect a captain to rely on the most senior or statistically successful players in tough moments, Patidar’s approach reflects a more personal and instinctive leadership style. He isn’t just following the book — he’s going with what feels right in the moment, based on the rhythm of the game and the mood of his players.
Josh Hazlewood, on the other hand, remains a pillar of strength in the squad. Patidar made it clear that Hazlewood’s value is undeniable. “Josh is calm, smart, and always in control. He’s like a machine — gives you what you need, every time. But sometimes, in the heat of the moment, you need a spark. That’s what Siraj gives me,” he added, making sure to show respect to the Australian fast bowler.
This comment from the RCB captain isn’t meant to rank players but rather to highlight the beauty of variety in a team. Every bowler brings something different. Hazlewood offers consistency and control, while Siraj brings energy and aggression. Depending on the situation, a captain needs to make quick, instinctive choices. Patidar has shown that he’s not afraid to follow his gut.
For fans of RCB, this is a refreshing insight. It tells them more about the team than just stats and match summaries. It shows the human side of cricket — the trust, the chemistry, the emotions behind decisions. It also gives a boost to Mohammed Siraj, who has had his fair share of ups and downs but continues to grow as a top-level cricketer.
In recent seasons, Siraj has been through a lot — from personal losses to questions about form. But through it all, he’s held his head high and continued to put in the work. His ability to swing the ball at high pace, hit the right areas, and bring passion to the field has made him a fan favourite. Now, with Patidar backing him in pressure moments, his role becomes even more central to RCB’s plans.
Patidar’s rise as captain has come during a phase of transition for the team. With big names like Virat Kohli stepping back from captaincy and the team looking for fresh energy, Patidar brings a calm presence with a sharp cricketing mind. He isn’t flashy, but he’s thoughtful. He doesn’t raise his voice often, but when he speaks, the team listens. This kind of leadership can work wonders, especially in a high-pressure tournament like the IPL.
As the season continues, it will be interesting to see how this partnership between Patidar and Siraj shapes up. Will Siraj continue to be the go-to man in pressure overs? How will this dynamic evolve in different match situations? One thing is certain — both players share a deep respect and trust in each other, and that can only be good news for RCB.
It’s small insights like these that remind fans why they love the game. Beyond the sixes, the wickets, and the highlights, cricket is about people. About trust, choices, belief, and heart. Rajat Patidar choosing Mohammed Siraj over a world-class name like Hazlewood in clutch moments shows that leadership isn’t just about making the expected call — it’s about knowing your team inside-out and backing the players who rise when the lights are brightest.