Rajat Patidar, now at the helm of Royal Challengers Bengaluru, has shared candid reflections on his turbulent journey with the franchise. His rise to captaincy in IPL 2025 was far from conventional, and he admitted that he initially felt a deep sense of sadness and frustration when the team brought him back only as a replacement player after the 2022 mega-auction.
Patidar, who replaced the injured Luvnith Sisodia that season, has since emerged as a crucial figure in RCB’s middle order. With 239 runs in 11 matches this season, his performances have been key in keeping the franchise’s hopes alive for a maiden IPL title. But his path to prominence was paved with emotional and professional challenges.
Speaking on the RCB Podcast, Patidar recalled the events following the 2022 auction. “In 2022, there was a mega-auction. I wasn’t picked. When I played in 2021, the first half was in India and the second half was in Dubai, which was my first year at that time. I played three or four matches, then I was told that I would be getting chances ahead,” he said. However, an injury to AB de Villiers altered his course that season, sidelining Patidar from the second leg. “But then AB got injured and I couldn’t play the second half. Then, just after that, there was a mega-auction, so I got a message to be ready as I was going to be picked. I was ready, I had little hope that I would get another chance,” he added.
Rajat Patidar eventually did return, but it wasn’t the comeback he had hoped for. It came via a call-up to replace Sisodia, a close friend of his. Despite the opportunity, Patidar admitted his initial reluctance to accept the role, knowing the chances of getting actual playing time were slim.
“Then I started playing local matches in Indore. Then I got a call that I was being picked as a replacement for Luvnith Sisodia, who was injured. He is a very good friend of mine,” Patidar recalled. “As his replacement, I got picked. Being honest, I didn’t want to come on as a replacement. I knew that I won’t get a chance to play there straight away. I always wanted to play,” he said, reflecting on his disappointment and the desire to make a more legitimate mark.
Now leading the team in one of the league’s most competitive seasons, Patidar acknowledged the pressure that came with being named captain, especially after receiving the baton from a legend like Virat Kohli. However, Kohli’s backing and encouraging words helped settle his nerves and prepared him to embrace the challenge.
RCB will next face Kolkata Knight Riders at home on Saturday, May 17 (today), as they look to strengthen their push for a historic first IPL trophy.
