Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) captain Rajat Patidar has opened up about his emotional journey in the IPL, revealing that he felt “sad and angry” after being overlooked in the 2022 auction despite prior assurances. However, he was later called up as an injury replacement, a move he initially hesitated to accept.
Patidar, who has now established himself as a key player for RCB, recalled receiving a message before the 2022 mega auction, indicating that he should be ready as the franchise planned to pick him. However, when his name did not appear in the auction, he was left disappointed. “I had a little hope that I would get another chance to play for RCB. But I wasn’t picked in the mega auction. I was a little sad,” he shared on an RCB podcast.
Despite his initial frustration, Patidar was later brought in as a replacement for Luvnith Sisodia, who suffered an injury. However, he admitted that he was reluctant to join the squad under such circumstances. “To tell you frankly, I didn’t want to come as a replacement because I knew that I wouldn’t get a chance to play there, and I always feel that I don’t want to sit there (in the dugout),” he explained.
Patidar’s fortunes changed dramatically when he was given an opportunity to play, and he made an immediate impact. His standout performance in the IPL 2022 playoffs, where he smashed a 54-ball 112 against Lucknow Super Giants, cemented his place in the team. RCB won the match by 14 runs, and Patidar was named Man of the Match.
Fast forward to IPL 2025, Patidar has not only become a batting mainstay for RCB but has also taken over the captaincy from Virat Kohli. He acknowledged the pressure of leading a team that includes the legendary Kohli but credited the former captain for his unwavering support. “I knew I have his full support. Like I said, this is a learning experience for me, it’s an opportunity for me. So, I will learn as much as I can from him,” Patidar said.
Patidar also reflected on the moment he was handed the captaincy plaque by Kohli, calling it one of the most memorable days of his career. “I have seen him (Kohli) since I started watching TV, in the IPL, off the field, in the Indian team… To take that thing (captaincy plaque) that he has been doing for so many years… and he is giving it to me with his own hands. When he was giving it to me, I was a bit worried about how to take it. I was completely blank about what to do,” he recalled.
With RCB aiming for their maiden IPL title, Patidar has embraced his leadership role, determined to guide the team to success. His journey from an overlooked player to captain serves as an inspiring tale of perseverance and resilience in the world of cricket.
