The Indian Premier League (IPL) It has always been as much about impressions as it is about yorkers, and the 2026 pre-season captains’ meeting proved just that. While a formal photo shoot is usually a formal affair of blazers and hard expressions, the 2026 edition took a funny turn. Delhi Capitals (DC) captain Akhar Patel crossed paths with newcomers Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) captain Rajat Patidar.
Axar Patel can’t take his eyes off Rajat Patidar’s ‘Dhurandhar’ hairstyle at IPL 2026 captains event
The highlight of the night was not the glittering silver trophy, but Patidar’s dramatic aesthetic transformation. Sporting flowing, long locks, the Patidar looked less of a middle-class bent and more of a Bollywood hero. Known for his dry wit, Akhar couldn’t help but stop filming to christen Patidar. “Dhurandhar Boy,” with a shy head Ranveer SinghHis rugged, high-octane look in the blockbuster Dhurandhar: The Revenge.
The exchange, captured in a behind-the-scenes clip that has since broken social media engagement records, shows Axar circling the Patidar with a look of genuine disbelief. “What is the secret of this hairstyle?” (What’s the secret to this hairstyle?), Akhar’s sneer was heard as the usually soft-spoken Patidar in the room laughed at being compared to the fiercest warrior of the silver screen.
We present the video:
What is it about Rajat Patidar’s new hairstyle that catches Axar Patel’s attention? 👀#CaptainsDay | #TATAIPL 2026 👉 Starts SAT, MAR 28, 17:30 pic.twitter.com/Or3OFSddIc
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) March 26, 2026
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Patidar’s bold vision for RCB’s title defense in IPL 2026
While the “Dhurandhar” comparison was laughable, Patidar revealed that it was a strategic and perhaps superstitious way to fix it. In the latest segment of RCB Bold Diaries, the viral sensation surrounding the skipper’s hair was addressed by a comment that angered the RCB ’12th Man Army’.
“I want a picture with this hairstyle holding the trophy, it’s a new look for a new challenge. We are here to retain the trophy in Bengaluru“,” Patidar joked, though his eyes carried the intensity of the defending champion.
Patidar, who led RCB to a historic maiden title the previous year, is under immense pressure to do the double. In the world of professional sports, a change in appearance often signals a change in mindset. For Patidar, the long hair represents warrior mode as RCB prepares to take on nine other hungry franchises.
The moment served as a reminder of a unique camaraderie within the IPL as the DC and RCB captains embraced after a playful exchange. Although they are fierce rivals on the field, Dhurandhar’s jokes humanize these superstars and prove that even under the weight of captaincy, there is always room for a well-timed joke about hairstyles.
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