Rajat Patidar, a key batter for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), has expressed his desire to lead the franchise in the 2025 IPL season if given the opportunity. The 31-year-old, retained by RCB ahead of the IPL auction, also opened up about his struggles in Test cricket during India’s home series against England earlier this year.
Patidar’s Breakthrough in IPL
Patidar began his IPL journey in 2021 but made his mark in the 2022 season. His standout performance came in the Eliminator against the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), where he smashed an unbeaten 112 off just 54 balls while batting at number three. His explosive innings helped RCB post a formidable total of 207, ultimately securing a crucial victory for the team.
When asked about his aspirations for the captaincy, Patidar shared his thoughts during a media interaction, as reported by India Today. “If I get the chance to lead RCB, I would be happy to take on the responsibility. However, the decision lies with the franchise,” he said.
Reflecting on Test Cricket Struggles
The Indore-born batter has had a challenging start to his Test career, with a highest score of just 32 across six innings in three matches. Reflecting on these performances, Patidar admitted that he regrets not capitalizing on those opportunities but remains optimistic about the future.
“I thoroughly enjoyed my time with the Test team. However, I do feel disappointed about missing those chances. That said, cricket is a journey filled with ups and downs. Acceptance is crucial. I’ve learned to embrace failures and use them as stepping stones for growth. I’m determined to recreate opportunities and make the most of them,” he said.
Consistency in Domestic Cricket
Patidar has been in exceptional form in the ongoing Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, representing Madhya Pradesh. In eight innings, he has accumulated 347 runs at an impressive average of 49.57. His consistent performances have played a key role in taking his team to the final of the tournament.
RCB’s Quest for Their First IPL Title
Despite being one of the most popular IPL franchises, RCB is still chasing their maiden title. The team has reached the finals three times—in 2009, 2011, and 2016—but has fallen short on each occasion. In the 2024 season, they finished fourth, bowing out after losing to the Rajasthan Royals in the Eliminator.
For the upcoming 2025 season, RCB bolstered their squad by signing Australian pacer Josh Hazlewood for INR 12.50 crore, their most expensive purchase in the auction. With a mix of experienced players and young talent, the team will be looking to break their title drought in the next edition.
Looking Ahead
Patidar’s leadership aspirations and strong domestic form position him as a vital player for RCB’s future. While challenges in Test cricket have tested his resilience, his determination to learn and grow suggests brighter days ahead. Whether he takes on the captaincy or not, Patidar’s contributions will undoubtedly play a crucial role in RCB’s pursuit of IPL glory.
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