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Rajat Patidar’s cricketing journey is reaching new heights. Currently the third-highest run-scorer in the ongoing Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) 2024, he has also captained Madhya Pradesh to the final of the tournament. Patidar’s stellar form has not only boosted his domestic credentials but has also sparked discussions about his potential role as captain of the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in IPL 2025.
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Patidar’s Stellar SMAT Campaign
The right-handed batter has been in sublime form, scoring 347 runs in nine matches at an impressive strike rate of 182.63, including four half-centuries. His leadership has been pivotal in Madhya Pradesh’s march to the final, where they will face Mumbai on December 15.
Patidar’s performances in SMAT follow his successful stint in the Ranji Trophy, where he played a crucial role in Madhya Pradesh’s historic triumph two seasons ago, including a vital 122-run knock in the final against Mumbai.
RCB Retains Patidar Amid Captaincy Buzz
RCB retained Patidar for a whopping INR 11 crore, alongside Virat Kohli and Yash Dayal, signaling their faith in his abilities. With Faf du Plessis no longer part of the squad, RCB is on the lookout for a new captain, and Patidar’s name has emerged as a contender.
When asked about the possibility of leading the franchise, Patidar expressed his readiness.
“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.
The Madhya Pradesh batter also spoke about how the retention by RCB boosted his confidence.
“RCB is a big franchise, and I love playing for RCB. So, the retention gave me a lot of confidence,” Patidar told PTI.
Learning from the Best
Patidar credited Chandrakant Pandit, Madhya Pradesh’s coach, 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. I enjoy observing players and anticipating what they might do, and it’s helped me grow as a leader,” Patidar remarked.
Eyes on the Future
While his brief stint with the Indian Test team didn’t yield desired results—managing just 63 runs in six innings against England earlier this year—Patidar is determined to earn another opportunity through consistent performances.
“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. Acceptance is the key. You have to learn from failures and move forward,” he said.
Patidar emphasized his focus on creating new opportunities and building on his domestic successes.
“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 concluded.
What Lies Ahead?
Patidar’s immediate goal is to lead Madhya Pradesh to their first-ever Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy title. Beyond that, the possibility of stepping into a leadership role with RCB could define the next chapter of his career, especially as the IPL franchise looks for a new leader to chart its future.
