For a significant period, Rajat Patidar’s cricketing journey was characterized by a pattern of near misses. Despite consistently accumulating substantial runs in domestic competitions, he received scant public recognition. Following a disappointing IPL season in 2021, he was even released by Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). Few could have predicted that just four years later, he would be at the helm, leading the franchise to a championship title and thereby ending an 18-year drought.
His return to RCB in IPL 2022 was initially as a mid-season replacement for the injured Luvnith Sisodia. At the time, Patidar, who was engaged in divisional cricket in Indore, was reportedly hesitant to join, primarily due to a pre-scheduled wedding date and uncertainty about his playing opportunities. Fortunately, he received crucial encouragement from his long-time friend and former Madhya Pradesh captain, Shubham Sharma.
Sharma vividly recalls his plea: “I begged him, ‘Brother, please go, they will definitely play you 100 percent.'”
Patidar concluded IPL 2022 with an impressive 333 runs from eight innings, maintaining a strike rate of 152.50. His remarkable performances included an explosive 112 runs off just 54 balls against Lucknow Super Giants in the Eliminator. Although RCB’s campaign concluded in the subsequent match, he continued his exceptional form with a fluent 58 in Qualifier 2 against Rajasthan Royals. Weeks later, he capped off a dream period by scoring a match-winning century for Madhya Pradesh in the Ranji Trophy final.
IPL 2022 marked a pivotal turning point in Patidar’s career. He subsequently made his One Day International (ODI) debut, and the following year, he received his inaugural Test call-up against England. He participated in three Test matches without significant success before an Achilles injury sidelined him, also forcing him to miss IPL 2023.
Reflecting on Patidar’s trajectory, former Indian cricketer Amay Khurasia, who also serves as the 32-year-old’s mentor, poetically observed, “Sometimes you have both the wings and the courage, but you don’t have the sky to fly.”
Despite a challenging start at the international level, Patidar has undoubtedly found his stride and soared within his own sphere of influence.
The appointment of Rajat Patidar as RCB captain ahead of IPL 2025 initially sparked some skepticism. However, he remained focused, delivering impactful batting performances and showcasing tactical acumen that guided RCB to a championship victory—a feat that eluded seasoned leaders such as Anil Kumble, Daniel Vettori, Virat Kohli, and Faf du Plessis.
When asked about any changes in his captaincy since the previous year’s triumph in Ahmedabad, Patidar remarked, “To be honest, I don’t need to do anything extra.”
He further elaborated, “Our management, coaching staff, and senior players possess a wealth of experience, which greatly assists me as a leader. I gain numerous insights from VK (Virat Kohli) bhai, Devdutt (Padikkal), Jitesh (Sharma), (Josh) Hazlewood, and Tim David. Their ideas and experience are incredibly beneficial to me.
“I don’t find it necessary to act differently. I’m not as overtly expressive individually. However, with my game awareness, I comprehend situations effectively. I communicate as much as possible to gather more ideas on how we can improve. Overall, I don’t need to alter anything. My strength lies in my calmness and my reliance on instincts, and that’s precisely what I continue to do.”
While Patidar might not acknowledge it, much has indeed transformed. Beyond his longer hair, his confidence has visibly grown. On the eve of the IPL 2025 final, despite most questions being directed at Punjab Kings skipper Shreyas Iyer, Patidar was questioned about Virat Kohli and fan expectations.
In stark contrast to the previous year, when he was seemingly still finding his footing, Patidar now exudes an air of assurance and composure when addressing queries.
“From the very beginning of the season, our sole focus has been on winning every game. If we win here, the team will get a good break before the final, which is important, and I think everyone is looking forward to that,” he stated.
Only MS Dhoni (2010, 2011) and Rohit Sharma (2019, 2020) have achieved the distinction of leading their teams to consecutive IPL titles. Rajat Patidar now stands just two victories away from joining this exclusive group.
