The Indian Premier League (IPL) has always been as much about the vibes as it is about the yorkers, and the 2026 pre-season captains’ meet proved exactly that. While the official photoshoot is usually a formal affair of blazers and stern expressions, the 2026 edition took a hilarious turn when Delhi Capitals (DC) skipper Axar Patel crossed paths with the newly-minted Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) captain Rajat Patidar.

Axar Patel can’t take eyes off Rajat Patidar’s ‘Dhurandhar’ hairstyle at IPL 2026 captains’ event

The highlight of the evening wasn’t the gleaming silver trophy, but rather Patidar’s dramatic aesthetic transformation. Sporting flowing, long locks, Patidar looked less like a middle-order batter and more like a Bollywood protagonist. Axar, known for his dry wit, couldn’t help but pause the shoot to christen Patidar the “Dhurandhar Boy,” a cheeky nod to Ranveer Singh’s rugged, high-octane look in the cinematic hit Dhurandhar: The Revenge.

The exchange, captured in a behind-the-scenes clip that has since shattered social media engagement records, shows Axar circling Patidar with a look of genuine disbelief. “Ye hairstyle ka raaz kya hai?” (What’s the secret behind this hairstyle?), Axar was heard quipping, while Patidar, usually the most soft-spoken man in the room, laughed off the comparison to the silver screen’s fiercest warrior.

Here’s the video:

What caught Axar Patel’s eye in Rajat Patidar’s new hairstyle? 👀#CaptainsDay | #TATAIPL 2026 👉 Starts SAT, 28th MAR, 5:30 PM 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 provided the laughs, Patidar revealed there is a strategic—and perhaps superstitious, method to his makeover. In a recent segment of RCB Bold Diaries, the skipper addressed the viral sensation surrounding his hair with a remark that has sent the RCB ‘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 keep the cup in Bengaluru,” Patidar joked, though his eyes carried the intensity of a defending champion.

Having led RCB to their historic maiden title the previous year, Patidar is under immense pressure to deliver a double. In the world of professional sports, a change in appearance often signals a shift in mindset. For Patidar, the long hair represents a warrior mode as RCB prepare to fend off nine other hungry franchises.

As the DC and RCB captains shared a hug after their playful exchange, the moment served as a reminder of the unique camaraderie within the IPL. While they will be fierce rivals on the pitch, the Dhurandhar banter humanizes these superstars, proving that even under the crushing weight of captaincy, there’s always room for a well-timed joke about a haircut.

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