Rajat Patidar, the talented and adaptable all-rounder from Madhya Pradesh, is more than ready to take on the responsibility of leading the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, should the opportunity arise. Retained by RCB ahead of the IPL 2025 auction, Patidar feels a deep sense of trust and confidence from the franchise. “Yes, definitely. RCB is a big franchise, and I love playing for RCB. So, it (retention) gave me a lot of confidence that they retained me,” Patidar shared, underscoring the significance of the team's belief in his skills and potential.
The buzz surrounding Patidar’s potential as RCB's captain has been growing ever since former skipper Faf du Plessis parted ways with the franchise. His name has been frequently mentioned as a frontrunner for the leadership role in IPL 2025. Despite this growing recognition, Patidar remains humble, expressing that his ultimate goal is to contribute to the success of the team in whatever role is required. "Of course, if I get an opportunity to lead RCB, that is what I am there for, and I will be happy. But it all depends on the franchise," he said, showcasing his team-first attitude and understanding that the decision ultimately rests with the management. Patidar’s maturity and balanced approach to leadership only add to his appeal as a potential captain.
Before contemplating his future as a potential IPL captain, Patidar is fully focused on his present challenge—leading Madhya Pradesh to their maiden Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) title. The final match against Mumbai on Sunday carries significant emotional weight for Patidar, as it will be played at the same venue where Madhya Pradesh secured their Ranji Trophy victory two seasons ago. Patidar was a key figure in that match, scoring a crucial 122 runs in a memorable six-wicket victory over Mumbai, which has solidified his reputation as a reliable and capable performer in high-pressure situations.
Patidar's journey as a leader has brought out the best in him. He embraces the challenges of captaincy with passion and enthusiasm, stating that it has been a learning experience that has deepened his understanding of the game. "I have learnt a lot out of it. I have enjoyed learning the tactics. I love seeing players and anticipating what they can do," Patidar shared, indicating his growing leadership acumen. His coach, Chandrakant Pandit, has played an instrumental role in his development as a captain, and Patidar credits Pandit for being one of India’s best coaches. The mentorship and guidance Patidar has received under Pandit’s tutelage have been pivotal in enhancing his strategic thinking and decision-making on the field.
While Patidar's international career hasn't unfolded as he had envisioned, his drive to don the India jersey again remains unwavering. Earlier this year, Patidar had a brief stint with the Indian Test team during their series against England, but he struggled to make a significant impact, managing just 63 runs in six innings. Despite this setback, Patidar has maintained a positive outlook, focusing on what lies ahead. "I enjoyed going to the Test team. But sometimes I feel bad that I missed the opportunity. But it’s alright; sometimes things don’t go your way," he reflected, acknowledging that failure is a natural part of any player's career. Rather than getting discouraged, Patidar has learned to accept the setbacks and move forward with renewed determination.
"Acceptance is the key. You have to accept that there will be failure in the cricketing journey. So, it’s important for me to face it and learn from it. I have just accepted it and I am moving forward. It’s a part and parcel of the game. I can re-create the opportunity," Patidar emphasized, demonstrating his resilience and ability to stay focused on the long-term goals. His approach to setbacks—seeing them as stepping stones rather than obstacles—has been a defining feature of his growth both as a cricketer and as a leader.
Patidar's recent performances in domestic cricket have been nothing short of outstanding, making him one of the most exciting prospects for the upcoming IPL season. In the 2023-24 Ranji Trophy, Patidar amassed 427 runs from five matches at an impressive average of 53.37, including one century and one half-century. His performances in the ongoing SMAT 2024 have been equally impressive, as he currently sits as the third-highest run-scorer with 347 runs from nine matches at a blistering strike rate of 182.63, including four half-centuries. These statistics highlight his ability to score runs quickly and consistently, making him a valuable asset in the fast-paced environment of the IPL.
For Patidar, success lies in sticking to his strengths and backing up his skills. "I am just trying to back my strength in the areas where I am going to hit, like I was doing in the last couple of years. I am just trying to find out the same pattern that I was playing in the IPL," he explained. His ability to stick to his game plan and execute it consistently has been central to his success in both domestic cricket and the IPL.
Looking ahead, Patidar's potential to take on the leadership role at RCB is an exciting prospect for fans and the franchise alike. His maturity, leadership qualities, and recent performances have made him a strong contender to lead RCB in IPL 2025, and his experience in handling pressure situations could prove invaluable as the team continues to chase its maiden IPL title. Whether or not he becomes the captain, one thing is clear—Rajat Patidar is a player to watch, and his journey through the IPL and Indian cricket is one that promises many more exciting moments. His story of perseverance, self-improvement, and determination serves as an inspiration to aspiring cricketers, and his future in the game looks exceptionally bright.
