"VAN" (Sports Desk - 03.05.2025) :: "I was really excited when I was picked by RCB again. I enjoy playing at the Chinnaswamy, so I was definitely looking forward to that. In terms of goals, to be honest, I didn’t set any personal targets. It was important for me to contribute to the team and try to help RCB win games. That’s what I want to do this season."
On role clarity and hard work going into the season
"It does help when you have some clarity on what your role is in the side, but there’s a lot of hard work that goes in. It’s not just about having that role, it’s about going out there and working hard to really try and execute it on the ground.
I feel this year preparation has been really helpful for me; all the work that I’ve put in over the last couple of months and leading to the tournament as well. The last couple of years, I didn’t have too much preparation leading into IPLs, and that probably had an effect on my batting. This year I’ve had that opportunity, worked on it, and had clarity on my role too."
On batting at number three and his approach
"There is no pressure to be honest. It’s great when you get a really good start. It’s important to continue that momentum when you go in. So far, in most games, I’ve been able to do that, and I’m happy to contribute in that way.
When you have so many experienced players around you, it gives you that freedom to just go out there and have fun. When you have people like Virat and Salt at the top, and some really good power-hitting towards the end of the innings, it makes your job easier because you don’t have too much pressure to go long into the innings."
On the sustained increase in his strike rate this season
"First and foremost, it’s a mental shift you need to make when you come into T20 cricket. The game has evolved a lot, and you have to keep up with the times. Yes, a lot of work went into the shots I want to play, and when you have people around you who really help you improve – like DK, Andy, and Mo – and they give you that confidence, it definitely helps."
On the upcoming fixture against CSK
"We have played some really good cricket throughout the season, and there is no need to treat any game any differently. So, as long as we have done our preparations well and are completely focused on the game, I think we should be fine."
RCB’s transition to Rajat Patidar’s captaincy
"Rajat has really taken on the role well, and when you have a team full of professionals who understand their job and what’s expected of them, it makes everyone’s job that much easier.
When the team is doing well and you have that camaraderie amongst everyone, everything just falls into place. Rajat has made sure we have that in our group. Everyone’s really enjoying each other’s success, and that’s great to see."
Reflecting on RCB’s first win of the season at home, against Rajasthan Royals
"We really wanted to get that first win at home, and we did a pretty good job against Rajasthan the last time. But again, it’s a fresh game. We have to plan according to the line-up we’re facing, and that’s always a challenge. Every game in the IPL is hard, regardless of where you’re playing.
In terms of the pitch, I don’t think it’s changed a whole lot. We’ve come up with some really solid plans and had those conversations in our meetings. Having a clear idea of what we want to do once we get out there really helped us in the last game."
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