Rajat Patidar, a 31-year-old middle-order batsman, has been formally named captain of Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) for the forthcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) season. At a function hosted by the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) on Thursday, February 13, the news was made.
Making his IPL debut in 2021, Patidar had a slow start at first, amassing just 71 runs in four games. His big break, though, came in 2022 when he signed a ₹20 lakh deal to rejoin RCB in lieu of the injured Luvnith Sisodia. His career took a significant turn during that season, as he scored 333 runs, including an unforgettable undefeated 112 against the Lucknow Super Giants at Eden Gardens in Kolkata.
Patidar’s Ascent in the IPL and RCB
Patidar has been a crucial member of the team since his debut, demonstrating his ability to manage spin and speed with ease. He has amassed 799 runs at an impressive pace of 158.85 in 27 games for RCB. Acknowledging his steady play, RCB offered him a handsome ₹11 crore deal, keeping him ahead of the IPL big auctions with Virat Kohli and Yash Dayal.
Before entering the IPL and international scene, Patidar, who was born in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, on June 1, 1993, established himself in domestic cricket. He made his Ranji Trophy debut in 2015 while playing for Madhya Pradesh, and he soon established himself as a vital member of his team. He averages more than 55.50 and keeps up an outstanding strike rate in first-class cricket, and is well-known for his aggressive yet technically solid batting.
His talents were further cemented by his recent performance in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, when he finished as the tournament’s second-highest run-scorer with 428 runs in 10 games at an average of 61 and an incredible strike rate of 186.08.
The International and IPL Career of Patidar
Since making his debut in 2021, Patidar has been faithful to RCB, in contrast to many players who have changed teams. He was called up to the Indian national squad as a result of his ongoing performance in the IPL. Since then, he has participated in series against South Africa and New Zealand, playing three Test matches and one ODI.
Fans and observers will be watching closely to see how he handles the demands of captaincy while retaining his aggressive batting style as he assumes the leadership role at RCB. As the IPL 2025 approaches, Patidar’s transformation from a backup player to captain is evidence of his tenacity and talent.
