Bengaluru, June 3: Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) captain Rajat Patidar has revealed how data analytics played a crucial role in transforming his batting against spin during the IPL 2026 season, helping him become one of the tournament’s most destructive batters.
Patidar enjoyed a stellar campaign, scoring 501 runs in 14 innings at an impressive average of 41.75 and a blistering strike rate of 192.69. He smashed 42 sixes—the third-highest tally of the season—and 30 fours as RCB successfully defended their IPL title.
While Patidar has long been known for his aggressive play against spin, he credited RCB analyst Freddie Wilde for helping him improve further. The RCB skipper revealed that he regularly sought video analysis from Wilde to study elite spinners such as Rashid Khan, Sunil Narine and Varun Chakravarthy.
“Freddie helped me understand the differences in their deliveries and where I could pick the ball from their hands,” Patidar said, highlighting the impact of detailed preparation and data-backed insights.
RCB Director of Cricket Mo Bobat praised Wilde’s contribution, stating that the franchise believes in evidence-based decision-making without becoming overly dependent on statistics. He described Wilde as someone who effectively combines the roles of analyst and coach, making his communication with players highly valuable.
Wilde’s influence extends beyond opposition analysis, contributing to auction strategy, squad building, tactical planning and player development. For Patidar, the analytical support translated into greater confidence against world-class spin bowling and sharper decision-making under pressure, becoming a key factor in his outstanding IPL 2026 season.
