New Delhi: It took Rajat Patidar more than two years after attracting attention with his batting prowess to get the big break. The right-handed batter took the 2018-19 Ranji season by storm after finishing as the leading run-scorer with 713 runs in eight matches.
While his Ranji heroics opened the doors of his selection in the India Blue team’s squad for the 2019–20 Duleep Trophy, he had to wait till 2021 to get the ‘golden’ opportunity of playing in the Indian Premier League – the richest domestic cricket competition in the world.
From Ranji dominance to IPL rejection to the turning point
Bought by Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the IPL 2021 auction, Patidar’s dreams were over before they could even take flight. At least, that’s what he thought after being released by the franchise ahead of the 2022 Indian Premier League following a return of 71 runs in four matches.
But fate had other ideas. After going unsold in the IPL 2022 mega-auction, which saw Ishan Kishan attracting the highest bid of Rs 15.25 crore from Mumbai Indians, fortune smiled on the MP batter, who got his ‘luck by chance’ by earning a surprise call-up midway into the 2022 season after RCB bought him for Rs 20 Lakhs to replace the injured Luvnith Sisodia.
Patidar seized the opportunity and never looked back. The talented batter finished the 2022 season as the third-highest run-getter for the RCB with 333 runs from just eight innings at a remarkable average of 55.50 and a blazing strike rate of 152.75.
The highlight of his extraordinary campaign was a stunning 112 off 49 balls, which made him the first uncapped player to score a hundred in the IPL playoffs. In the process, Patidar also equalled Wriddhiman Saha’s record for the fastest century in IPL playoffs.
Despite playing almost half the innings, Patidar, who finished behind Faf du Plessis and Virat Kohli in terms of the number of runs scored, made more compact than the two legends of the Bangalore-based franchise.
In the next two editions, Patidar showed immense grit and determination to cement his spot in the team and became a fan favourite courtesy of his impactful performances.
Overall, Patidar has amassed 799 runs in 28 IPL matches at a remarkable strike rate of 158.85, an aggregate that has also helped him enter the international stage.
From star player to captain: Leading RCB into a new era
Owing to his mental toughness and never-say-die- attitude, Patidar made a name for himself by performing in high-pressure games and established himself as one of the most reliable performers in the IPL. Two years after being released by the franchise, Patidar was retained for Rs 11 crore ahead of the 2025 mega-auction and the remarkable journey culminated on Thursday with his appointment as RCB’s new captain.
His impactful performances in the IPL, combined with his leadership skills honed in the domestic circuit (captain of Madhya Pradesh in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (T20) and Vijay Hazare Trophy (ODI), played a key role in his appointment as RCB’s captain for the 2025 season.
By appointing Patidar, RCB has taken a big gamble by resting the hopes of securing an elusive IPL title on the shoulders of a young captain. If the Madhya Pradesh batter helps RCB, who have reached the finals three times, finally cross the final hurdle, it will be the start of a new journey for both the player and the franchise.
Rajat Patidar’s journey exemplifies perseverance and talent. After a stellar Ranji Trophy performance and a brief, initial IPL stint, he was released by the RCB and went unsold at the 2022 auction. However, a fortunate mid-season call-up led to a remarkable turnaround. His consistent performances and leadership qualities culminated in his appointment as RCB’s captain for the 2025 season, showcasing a compelling narrative of resilience and success. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
