Rajat Patidar, the current Madhya Pradesh (MP) captain, is ready to lead the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) if granted the opportunity. The 31-year-old has taken MP to the final of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) 2024-25, winning eight of the nine matches. Having been with the RCB since 2021, the swashbuckling batter is ready to take the reins of the franchise with the last captain, Faf du Plessis, moving to the Delhi Capitals.
RCB retention gave me a lot of confidence: Patidar
It was a bit of a shock to many when Patidar was retained for Rs 11 crore ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 auction. Many didn’t think he was worth that much. Patidar, who has represented India in ODI and Test cricket, was undersold by many, but just this SMAT season he’s proven the questioners wrong.
The batter is grateful to the franchise for showing faith in him. “Yes, definitely. RCB is a big franchise, and I love playing for RCB. So, the retention gave me a lot of confidence,” Patidar said after MP won the second SMAT semifinal against Delhi.
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Leading MP to the SMAT Final and performing with the bat (347 runs at 49.57 while striking at 182.63) has given Patidar confidence. At 31, he’s experienced as a batter and leader. Of course, as he himself said, the final decision will depend on RCB management. “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 added.
Rajat Patidar record as batter & captain in SMAT
| Matches | Won | Runs | Average | Strike Rate | 50s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | 8 | 347 | 49.57 | 182.63 | 4 |
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