Introduction: Born on June 1, 1993, in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, Rajat Patidar has swiftly established himself as a prominent figure in Indian cricket. Known for his right-handed batting prowess and occasional off-spin bowling, Patidar has made significant strides in domestic and international cricket.
Domestic Career: Patidar began his cricket journey with his first-class debut for Madhya Pradesh in the 2015-16 Ranji Trophy. He made a remarkable start, scoring a century on debut and following it up with another in the subsequent match. One of his most memorable moments came during the 2022 Ranji Trophy final against Mumbai, where his century helped Madhya Pradesh clinch the title after 69 years.
Indian Premier League (IPL): Patidar's IPL career took off when he was signed by Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) ahead of the 2021 season. Although he played only a handful of matches that year, he made a significant impact in 2022 as a replacement player. His standout performance came in the eliminator match against Lucknow Super Giants, where he scored an unbeaten 112 off 54 balls, becoming the first uncapped player to score a century in the IPL playoffs.
International Career: Patidar made his ODI debut against South Africa on December 21, 2023, and subsequently his Test debut against England in February 2024. Despite a challenging start in Test cricket, where he scored 63 runs in six innings, his consistent performances in domestic cricket have kept him in the spotlight and on the radar of selectors.
Recent Achievements: In the 2023/24 Vijay Hazare Trophy, Patidar emerged as the top run-scorer for Madhya Pradesh, solidifying his reputation as a reliable top-order batter. His back-to-back centuries for India A against England Lions further paved the way for his Test call-up, showcasing his potential to succeed at the highest level.
RCB Captain : Rajat Patidar has been appointed as the captain of Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) for the IPL 2025 season. This decision comes after the franchise released their former skipper Faf du Plessis and chose Patidar over other contenders like Virat Kohli and Krunal Pandya. Patidar's leadership skills were evident during his time with Madhya Pradesh, where he led the team to the final of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy1. Known for his aggressive playing style and consistent performances, Patidar is expected to bring a fresh perspective and energy to the RCB squad. Fans are excited to see how he will lead the team and what strategies he will implement to achieve success in the upcoming season.
Rajat Patidar's journey from a promising domestic player to an international cricketer is a testament to his dedication and hard work. As he continues to hone his skills and deliver stellar performances, cricket enthusiasts eagerly anticipate more memorable moments from this rising star.