Indian Premier League (IPL) It has always been as much about the vibes as it is about the yorkers, and the 2026 pre-season captains meeting proved to be exactly that. While official photoshoots are usually a formal affair of blazers and stoic expressions, the 2026 edition took a hilarious turn when Delhi Capitals (DC) captain Akshar Patel crossed paths with the newly-minted Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) captain Rajat Patidar.
Akshar Patel is unable to take his eyes off Rajat Patidar’s ‘Dhurandhar’ hairstyle at the IPL 2026 captains event.
The highlight of the evening was not the gleaming silver trophy, but the Patidar’s dramatic beauty transformation. The handsome, long-haired Patidar looked less like a middle-order batsman and more like a Bollywood hero. Akshar, who is known for his dry wit, couldn’t help but pause the shoot to name Patidar. ““Damn boy.” a cheeky nod towards Ranveer SinghHis powerful, high-octane look in the cinematic hit Dhurandhar: The Revenge.
The exchange, captured in a behind-the-scenes clip that has since broken social media engagement records, showed Axar circling Patidar with a look of genuine disbelief. “What is the secret of this hairstyle?” (What’s the secret behind this hairstyle?), Akshar was heard quipping, while Patidar, usually the most soft-spoken person in the room, laughed at the comparison to the fiercest warrior of the silver screen.
Here is the video:
What caught Akshar Patel’s attention about Rajat Patidar’s new hairstyle? 👀#CaptainsDay | #TATAIPL 2026 👉 Start Sat, March 28, 5:30 pm pic.twitter.com/Or3OFSddIc
– Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) 26 March 2026
Patidar’s bold approach to RCB’s title defense in IPL 2026
While the comparison to “Dhurandhar” drew laughs, Patidar revealed that there was a strategic and perhaps superstitious approach to his makeover. In a recent segment of RCB Bold Diaries, the captain addressed the viral sensation over his hair with a comment that has sent RCB’s ’12th Man Army’ into a frenzy.
“I want a photo with this hairstyle holding the trophy, It’s a new look for a new challenge. We are here to hold the cup in BengaluruPatidar joked, though his eyes reflected the intensity of a defending champion.
After leading RCB to a historic maiden title last year, there is immense pressure on Patidar to deliver a double. In the world of professional sports, a change in appearance often signals a change in mentality. For Patidar, the long hair represents a warrior mode as RCB looks to fend off nine other hungry franchises.
As the DC and RCB captains hugged each other after their playful exchange, the moment was a reminder of the unique camaraderie within the IPL. While they will be fierce rivals on the field, Dhurandhar’s banter humanizes these superstars, proving that even under the heavy burden of captaincy, there is always room for a well-timed joke about a haircut.
Also read: Vijay Mallya mulls RCB’s historic ₹16,700 sale ahead of IPL 2026
