Rajat Patidar: From Indore Prodigy to RCB Captain and India Star
Rajat Patidar, born on 1 June 1993 in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, is an Indian international cricketer known for his elegant strokeplay and fearless batting. A right-handed top-order batter and part-time off-spinner, Patidar plays domestic cricket for Madhya Pradesh and leads the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the Indian Premier League. In 2025, he scripted history by captaining RCB to their first IPL title win.
Early Life
Patidar was raised in Indore in a business family. He began playing cricket at the age of 8, thanks to encouragement from his grandfather who enrolled him in a cricket academy. Initially a bowler, he shifted his focus to batting after his Under-15 days. Despite early struggles, his persistence and performance at youth levels paved the way for a professional cricketing career.
Domestic Career
Patidar made his first-class debut for Madhya Pradesh in the 2015–16 Ranji Trophy on 30 October 2015. He later debuted in T20 cricket on 8 January 2018 in the 2017–18 Zonal T20 League.
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2018–19 Ranji Trophy: Top run-scorer for Madhya Pradesh – 713 runs in 8 matches
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2019 Duleep Trophy: Named in the India Blue squad
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2024–25 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy:
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Appointed captain of Madhya Pradesh
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2nd highest run-scorer of the tournament: 428 runs in 9 innings
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Avg: 61.14 | SR: 186.08 | 5 half-centuries
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Scored 81* in the final
Patidar also holds the record for the 5th fastest century in Ranji Trophy history – a 68-ball ton against Haryana, ending the innings with 159 (102 balls).
IPL & Franchise Career
Patidar’s IPL journey has been full of ups and downs, leading to a historic captaincy.
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2021: Bought by Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) – scored 71 runs in 4 matches
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2022: Went unsold in the auction but re-signed mid-season
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Eliminator vs LSG: Scored a stunning 112*
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First uncapped player to score a century in an IPL playoff
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Joint-fastest century (49 balls) in playoffs
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Season tally: 333 runs in 8 matches | Avg: 55.50
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2023: Retained but missed season due to Achilles heel injury
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2024: Scored 395 runs in 13 innings | Avg: 30.38 | SR: 177.13 | 5 fifties
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2025: Appointed captain of RCB
International Career
Patidar’s domestic and IPL form earned him a spot in India’s white-ball and Test squads.
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October 2022: Named in ODI squad vs South Africa (did not play)
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February 2023: Named as injury replacement vs New Zealand (did not play)
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ODI Debut: 21 December 2023 vs South Africa – scored 22 off 16 balls
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Test Debut: 2 February 2024 vs England in 2nd Test
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First Innings: 32 runs
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Second Innings: 9 runs
Though still early in his international career, Patidar has shown promise as a technically solid batter capable of adapting to different formats.
Career Highlights
| Format |
Matches |
Runs |
Average |
Strike Rate |
100s/50s |
Best |
| IPL |
25+ |
700+ |
35+ |
170+ |
1/6 |
112* |
| ODI |
1 |
22 |
22.00 |
137.5 |
0/0 |
22 |
| Test |
1 |
41 |
20.50 |
60+ |
0/0 |
32 |
| First-Class |
50+ |
3500+ |
45+ |
– |
10+ |
159 |
Note: Stats are approximate as of July 2025
Leadership & Impact
Rajat Patidar’s elevation to RCB captain in 2025 was a testament to his cricketing acumen and maturity. Under his leadership, the team not only improved tactically but also broke their long-standing trophy drought in the IPL. His ability to lead by example, remain calm under pressure, and execute fearless strokes has made him one of India’s most exciting modern cricketers.
From domestic grit to IPL brilliance and an international debut, Rajat Patidar’s rise is a story of resilience, form, and timing. As he continues to evolve as a batter and leader, Patidar is one of India’s emerging cricketing stars to watch closely in all formats of the game.
