Rajat Patidar, the third-highest run-scorer in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT), has received a significant confidence boost. Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) retained him ahead of the IPL auction.
Patidar trails Ajinkya Rahane (432 runs) and Bihar’s Sakibul Gani (353 runs) in the SMAT scoring charts. He has amassed 347 runs in nine matches at a strike rate of 182.63, including four half-centuries.
“Yes, definitely. RCB is a big franchise, and I love playing for RCB. So, the retention gave me a lot of confidence,” he said.
Patidar’s retention by RCB for ₹11 crore has sparked discussions about his potential as captain. With Faf du Plessis released, some within RCB view Patidar as a possible captain for IPL 2025.
Patidar expressed his willingness to embrace the leadership role if the opportunity arises.
“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.
However, Patidar’s immediate focus is on leading Madhya Pradesh to their first SMAT title. They face Mumbai in the final on Sunday, at the same venue where they won the Ranji Trophy two seasons ago.
Madhya Pradesh defeated Mumbai in that Ranji Trophy final, with Patidar playing a key role by scoring 122 runs in their six-wicket victory.
Patidar appears at ease with the responsibilities of captaincy.
“I have learnt a lot from it. I have enjoyed learning the tactics. I love observing players and anticipating what they might do.”
He credits his coach, Chandrakant Pandit, for shaping his captaincy skills.
“I have learnt a lot about captaincy from my coach, Chandrakant Pandit. Everybody knows that he is the best coach in India,” he said.
Despite a brief stint with the Indian Test team, Patidar’s international career has not progressed as he might have hoped. However, the Madhya Pradesh batter remains determined to earn another opportunity through strong domestic performances. His six innings against England earlier this year yielded only 63 runs.
Nevertheless, he has demonstrated impressive form in the first half of the Ranji Trophy and the ongoing SMAT.
“I enjoyed being part of the Test team. But sometimes I feel bad that I missed the opportunity. It’s alright; sometimes things don’t go your way,” Patidar said during an interaction on Saturday.
Patidar acknowledged his struggles during his time with the Indian team and has adopted a mindset of acceptance and learning.
“I think acceptance is the key. You have to accept that there will be failures in the cricketing journey. It’s important for me to face them and learn from them.”
He emphasised the importance of moving forward and focusing on creating new opportunities.
“I have accepted it, and I am moving forward. It’s a part and parcel of the game. I can re-create the opportunity,” he added.
