Rajat Manohar Patidar, born on June 1, 1993, in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, is a shining star in Indian cricket. His journey from a small-town cricketer to captain of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the IPL is a story of grit and determination.
Patidar discovered cricket at the age of eight when his grandfather enrolled him in a local academy. Initially, he focused on bowling but shifted to batting after his under-15 days. This decision became a turning point in his career. He attended New Digamber Public School in Indore and later graduated from Guru Vashishtha College in Dewas.
Supported by his father, a businessman, Patidar balanced his education and cricket training. His father often ferried him to matches on a two-wheeler, instilling discipline and commitment in him.
Domestic Cricket Journey
Patidar made his first-class debut for Madhya Pradesh on October 30, 2015, in the Ranji Trophy. He announced his arrival with a century against Baroda. This debut was just the beginning of his impactful domestic career.
In the 2018-19 Ranji Trophy, Patidar emerged as Madhya Pradesh’s top scorer, amassing 713 runs in eight matches. His consistency earned him a spot in the India Blue squad for the 2019-20 Duleep Trophy.
His leadership skills also came to the fore when he captained Madhya Pradesh to the final of the 2024-25 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. This achievement showcased his tactical acumen and ability to perform under pressure.
Rise in the Indian Premier League
Patidar’s IPL journey began in 2021 when RCB signed him for INR 20 lakh. His initial season was modest, scoring just 71 runs in four matches. Released ahead of the 2022 auction, Patidar returned mid-season as a replacement for the injured Luvnith Sisodia.
In the 2022 playoffs, he delivered a match-winning 112* off 54 balls against Lucknow Super Giants. This inning made him the first uncapped player to score a century in IPL playoffs and tied him for the fastest playoff century in 49 balls. He finished the season with 333 runs in eight matches, solidifying his spot in the team.
Leadership at RCB
Patidar’s IPL career reached a new high when RCB retained him for INR 11 crore ahead of the 2025 season. He succeeded Faf du Plessis as captain, becoming RCB’s eighth leader. Virat Kohli and the RCB management backed his appointment, recognizing his calm and composed leadership style.
International Debut and Future Goals
Rajat Patidar made his international debut on December 21, 2023, against South Africa. While his performances in Tests and ODIs have been inconsistent, his domestic and IPL exploits continue to underline his potential.
As RCB’s captain, Patidar is determined to end the franchise’s title drought. He combines technical brilliance with a quiet yet impactful approach, aiming to lead by example. His journey reflects his perseverance and hunger for success. Stay tuned to News Trendzs for the latest updates on another cricket news and IPL 2025 news.
