Patidar Reflects on Captaincy Challenge
Rajat Patidar, the newly appointed captain of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) for the IPL 2025 season, recently opened up about his unexpected journey from being overlooked in the 2022 auction to leading a franchise renowned for its quest for a first championship title.
From Setback to Opportunity
Patidar recalls his initial hopes ahead of the IPL 2022 auction. Despite receiving messages indicating that RCB would select him, he ultimately was not picked, which left him feeling disappointed. "I had a little hope that I would get another chance. But I wasn't picked in the mega auction. I was a little sad," he acknowledged. However, after an injury to a teammate, he was called back as a replacement, allowing him to rejoin the squad.
Transitioning to Leadership
As he stepped into the role of captain, Patidar faced the challenge of leading a team that included established players like Virat Kohli, whose support he values greatly. "I had many questions about how I would manage under him, but I knew how supportive he was about this captaincy change," Patidar explained. His initial feelings of uncertainty were eased by Kohli's encouragement, which became a vital part of his leadership journey.
A Memorable Moment
Receiving the captaincy plaque from Kohli was a significant milestone for Patidar. "I went completely blank while receiving the plaque from Kohli. To take that from someone who has done it for so many years was special," he stated. Kohli's affirmation that Patidar "deserved" the role helped solidify the importance of this moment.
Performance and Learning
So far in the season, Patidar has demonstrated his capabilities as both a leader and a player, scoring 239 runs in 11 matches. He views this opportunity as a pivotal learning experience, eager to absorb insights from Kohli’s extensive background in cricket. "This is a learning opportunity for me, and I want to absorb as much as I can from him," he said.
Aiming for Success
Looking forward, Patidar's primary goal is to lead RCB in their pursuit of their first IPL title. With a focus on teamwork and continual growth, he is dedicated to making a positive impact as the captain of the franchise.
