From Unsold to Skipper: Rajat Patidar’s RCB Captaincy and the Pursuit of IPL History
Rajat Patidar’s career trajectory within the Indian Premier League represents one of modern cricket’s most dramatic turnarounds. Released by Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) following a lackluster 2021 season, the top-order batter has transformed into the franchise’s central figure. Now, acting as RCB captain, Patidar stands just two wins away from securing back-to-back IPL championships, an achievement that would cement his name in franchise history.
The 2022 Turning Point
Patidar’s rise began under uncertain circumstances. During the 2022 IPL season, RCB contacted him to serve as a mid-season replacement for injured wicketkeeper Luvnith Sisodia. At the time, Patidar was playing division cricket in Indore and preparing for his wedding. Hesitant to accept an offer that guaranteed no playing time, he received a decisive push from former Madhya Pradesh captain Shubham Sharma.
“I begged him, ‘Please go, hundred percent you will play,'” Sharma stated.
The decision paid off. Patidar finished the 2022 tournament with 333 runs in eight innings, maintaining a strike rate of 152.50. His defining moment came during the Eliminator against Lucknow Super Giants, where he scored an unbeaten 112 off 54 balls. He followed this with a 58-run knock in Qualifier 2 against Rajasthan Royals. Later that year, he scored a match-winning century in the Ranji Trophy final, securing the domestic title for Madhya Pradesh.
Rajat Patidar 2022 IPL Statistics
| Matches | Innings | Runs | Highest Score | Strike Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 333 | 112* | 152.50 |
Overcoming Injury and Embracing Leadership
His 2022 performance earned him an ODI debut and a subsequent Test call-up against England, according to ESPNcricinfo records. However, an Achilles injury forced him out of action, causing him to miss the entire 2023 IPL season.
Former India cricketer Amay Khurasia, who mentored the 32-year-old, noted the difficulty of this period, referencing the challenge of possessing talent without the opportunity to showcase it.
Returning to full fitness, Patidar assumed the RCB captaincy. He credited the experienced dressing room for easing his transition into the leadership role.
“Our management, coaching staff, and senior players have a lot of experience,” Patidar explained. “I get so many ideas from Virat Kohli, Devdutt Padikkal, Jitesh Sharma, Josh Hazlewood, and Tim David. I communicate as much as I can so that I get more ideas about what we can do better. Overall, my strength is my calmness and the way I back my instincts.”
Chasing IPL History
The tactical awareness Patidar brought to the squad helped RCB secure the trophy the previous year in Ahmedabad—an achievement that evaded former captains Anil Kumble, Daniel Vettori, Virat Kohli, and Faf du Plessis.
Ahead of the IPL 2025 playoffs, Patidar maintains a singular focus on match-by-match execution.
“From the very start of the season, our focus has simply been on winning every game,” Patidar said. “If we win here, the team will get a good break before the final, which is important, and I think everyone is looking forward to that.”
Only MS Dhoni (2010, 2011) and Rohit Sharma (2019, 2020) have successfully led their teams to consecutive IPL titles. Documented by the BCCI, this exclusive club represents the highest tier of IPL leadership. Patidar is now positioned to add his name to that list.