RCB's mane attraction: Rajat Patidar, like MS Dhoni is making calm the new cool again
One of the most striking features of Rajat Patidar's appearance this season has been his long, flowing hair. Every time the RCB captain walks out
One of the most striking features of Rajat Patidar's appearance this season has been his long, flowing hair. Every time the RCB captain walks out to bat, it evokes memories of a young MS Dhoni, whose own long locks became part of Indian cricket folklore in the mid-2000s. The visual resemblance is impossible to ignore and social media has had plenty of fun drawing comparisons between the two. Read Full Story However, as Royal Challengers Bengaluru marched to a second successive IPL title, it became increasingly clear that the resemblance goes far beyond appearances. The more Patidar led one of the most scrutinised franchises in Indian cricket, the more he began to remind observers of Dhoni for an entirely different reason. IPL 2026 FINAL: HIGHLIGHTS | SCORECARD MORE THAN JUST THE HAIR For all the attention Dhoni's hairstyle received during his early years, it was never the defining feature of his captaincy. What set him apart was an ability to remain calm regardless of the situation. Whether India were defending a modest total in a World Cup knockout game or chasing a difficult target under pressure, Dhoni rarely appeared flustered. Patidar has displayed similar traits during his time as RCB captain. This is not an easy franchise to lead. Expectations are relentless, scrutiny is constant and every result is dissected in microscopic detail. Add the presence of Virat Kohli, arguably the most influential figure in the franchise's history, and the pressure only increases.
Yet throughout RCB's title-winning campaign, Patidar rarely looked burdened by any of it. Rajat Patidar in conversation with Virat Kohli. (Image: PTI) His reactions remain measured, his decisions rarely appear rushed and his body language changes very little regardless of the match situation. It is a quality that has become one of the defining characteristics of his captaincy. A DIFFERENT KIND OF LEADER Patidar's leadership style stands in contrast to many modern captains. He does not dominate conversations, nor does he attempt to make himself the centre of attention. Instead, he appears comfortable allowing others to occupy the spotlight. RCB wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik highlighted this after the IPL final when he described Patidar as a calming influence in a dressing room filled with strong personalities. "Rajat has been a huge calming influence in a dressing room that is high-octane and high testosterone. He keeps things very calm, and that's so important," Karthik said. Karthik's assessment felt especially relevant because RCB have traditionally been associated with energy and emotion. Patidar has added a layer of composure that perhaps did not exist before. Rajat Patidar joins a select few IPL captains to have won multiple IPL titles. (Image: PTI) The former India wicketkeeper also pointed to another quality that makes Patidar stand out. "I think he likes to be a star, not a superstar," Karthik remarked. The comparison with Dhoni becomes stronger when viewed through that lens.
Like the former India captain, Patidar appears secure enough in his own position to let others shine. He does not need every success, every decision or every headline to revolve around him. TRUSTING THE PROCESS The similarities extend to the way he manages his players. Speaking after the final, Patidar offered a glimpse into his captaincy philosophy and why he prefers to give players freedom rather than constantly direct them from the field. "My style of captaincy is different. I'm not very expressive, but I'm always aware of the game situation," Patidar said. That approach is perhaps most visible in the way he handles his bowling attack. "I don't go to the bowlers too often because I trust them. They already have clear plans. My job is not to disturb them repeatedly." Rajat Patidar sets the field alongside Josh Hazlewood. (Image: AFP) It is a philosophy that sounds remarkably familiar to anyone who followed Dhoni's captaincy. Trust the preparation, trust the players and avoid unnecessary interference. That faith has helped create an environment where players feel valued regardless of whether they are regular starters or squad members waiting for an opportunity. Throughout the season, RCB repeatedly spoke about clarity of roles and confidence within the dressing room. Patidar himself believes there has been a significant shift in the culture of the franchise. "The new players are treated just as importantly as the experienced players.
Everyone feels valued," he said. WHY THE COMPARISON FITS No comparison with Dhoni comes without risks. The former India captain's achievements place him in a category of his own, and Patidar is still at the beginning of his leadership journey. Yet comparisons are not always about trophies or records. Sometimes they are about qualities. RAJAT IS JUST A CAPTAIN, THE REAL MENTOR IS VIRAT KOHLI Ravi Ashwin: Rajat Patidar deserves huge credit for his captaincy. He selflessly gave Virat Kohli the space to lead and mentor the team, focusing on what was best for RCB rather than seeking the spotlight himself. pic.twitter.com/8YdD0B4qiG— Sam (@cricsam02) June 1, 2026 The long hair may be what first reminded fans of Dhoni, but it is Patidar's temperament that has made the comparison stick. In a franchise that spent years searching for stability, he has provided calmness, clarity and trust. Those were some of the qualities that defined Dhoni's greatest teams, and they are increasingly becoming hallmarks of Patidar's RCB as well. The hairstyle may have started the conversation. The captaincy is what has kept it alive. IPL 2026 | IPL Schedule | IPL Points Table | IPL Player Stats | Purple Cap | Orange Cap | IPL Videos | Cricket News | Live Score Ends
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