Rajat Patidar Reflects on His Journey as RCB Captain: From Disappointment to Leadership
Rajat Patidar's Emotional Journey with RCB
Bengaluru: Rajat Patidar, currently at the helm of Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the IPL, recently opened up about his feelings during the 2022 season when he felt 'sad' and 'angry' after being overlooked by the team, despite prior assurances. He later received a call to join as an injury replacement.
Taking on the captaincy from the legendary Virat Kohli ahead of IPL 2025 added pressure, but Patidar found reassurance in Kohli's encouraging words.
This season, Patidar has been a key player for RCB, amassing 239 runs across 11 matches as the team strives for its first men's IPL championship.
"Before the mega auction for IPL 2022, I received a message saying to be ready because I would be selected. I held onto hope for another chance with RCB, but when I wasn't chosen, I felt a bit disheartened," Patidar shared during an RCB Podcast.
Fortunately, the 31-year-old cricketer from Madhya Pradesh quickly got the opportunity to don the RCB jersey again when a teammate was injured. However, he was hesitant about returning, knowing the competition for spots in such a star-studded team.
"After not being selected in the auction, I resumed playing local matches in Indore. Then I got a call saying I was being picked as a replacement for Luvnith Sisodia, who was injured. Honestly, I was reluctant to return because I doubted I'd get any playing time and I dislike sitting on the bench," he explained.
"I wasn't angry for long. Initially, I felt upset about not being picked, but I soon accepted it," said Patidar, who recently led Madhya Pradesh to the finals of the 2024-25 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.
Taking charge of a team that includes the iconic Kohli was daunting, yet the star player's support bolstered Patidar's confidence.
"I had many doubts, especially with so many big names in the squad. How would I manage under someone like Virat Kohli? But I know he is very supportive of this captaincy transition," he remarked.
"This is a learning experience for me, and I intend to absorb as much knowledge as I can from him. His insights into batting, leadership, and every role are invaluable," Patidar added.
The day he was announced as RCB's captain remains etched in Patidar's memory, describing it as a moment when he felt 'completely blank' while receiving the captaincy plaque from Kohli.
"I've watched him since I started following cricket, both on and off the field. To receive the captaincy plaque from him was surreal. When he handed it to me, I was unsure how to react. He encouraged me to hold it, and I did, but I was left wondering what to do next," he recounted.
"Kohli reassured me with words like, 'You deserve this, you've earned it.' That helped me regain my composure. Learning from him is a priority for me, and that moment was truly special, especially as he introduced me to the fans."