Rajat Patidar is an Indian top-order batter who also bowls off-spin. He plays domestic cricket for Madhya Pradesh cricket team and also leads Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the IPL. He made his international debut in December 2023 against South Africa.
In domestic cricket, he has been a strong run scorer for Madhya Pradesh, especially in the Ranji Trophy where he scored 713 runs in one season and was the top batter for his team. In the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2024-25, he captained Madhya Pradesh and scored 428 runs with a high strike rate of 186, helping his team reach the final.
Patidar got his first big national call-ups after a good IPL season in 2022. He was first picked in India’s ODI squad for the series against South Africa in October, but he did not get a chance to play in the XI. He finally made his ODI debut on 21 December 2023 against South Africa. In that match, he scored 22 runs off 16 balls.
Soon after that, he also got a Test call-up. In January 2024, he was added to India’s Test squad for the England series as a replacement for Virat Kohli. He made his Test debut on 2 February 2024 and scored 32 and 9 in the two innings.
5 Fun Facts You Didn’t Know About Rajat Patidar
From Pace Bowler to Batting Star After a Serious Injury
Rajat originally wanted to be a fast-bowling all-rounder. But in 2014, a severe ACL injury forced him to stop bowling. During his recovery, he made a tough decision – switch to batting full-time. That painful setback turned out to be a blessing in disguise. Today, he is known for his elegant strokeplay, not his pace.
Postponed His Own Wedding for an IPL Eliminator
In 2022, Patidar’s wedding was set for May 9. But RCB called him as a last-minute replacement. He didn’t think twice – he postponed the wedding and flew to Kolkata. On that fateful night, he smashed a record-breaking 112 not out off just 54 balls in the Eliminator. Wedding delayed, glory achieved.
Scored a Century on First-Class Debut and in Ranji Final
Patidar loves rising to the occasion on his first try. On his first-class debut for Madhya Pradesh, he smashed a century. Then in the 2022 Ranji Trophy final against Mumbai, with his team chasing their maiden title, he hit another hundred. Two debuts, two hundreds, and a championship trophy. Pressure doesn’t bother him.
The RCB Fan Who Became Their Captain
Before he was a star, Patidar was a die-hard RCB fan. His idols were Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers – the very reason he loved the team. He was nervous before meeting them for the first time. Years later, he led RCB to their first IPL trophy. From cheering in the stands to lifting the cup.
Played Four Seasons at Just ₹20 Lakh
Patidar’s IPL salary story is pure grit. He went unsold in the 2022 mega-auction, then was signed as an injury replacement for the minimum price – ₹20 lakh. He played four seasons at that base rate without complaining. Finally, RCB rewarded his loyalty with an ₹11 crore retention in 2025. Patience pays.
FAQs
Q. Which teams does Rajat Patidar play for?
A. Rajat Patidar plays domestic cricket for Madhya Pradesh. He leads Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the IPL.
Q. When did Rajat Patidar make his international debut?
A. Rajat Patidar made his ODI debut on 21 December 2023 against South Africa.
Q. What is Rajat Patidar’s role in domestic cricket?
A. Rajat Patidar is a top-order batter and captain for Madhya Pradesh.
Q. What was Rajat Patidar’s Ranji Trophy performance?
A. Rajat Patidar scored 713 runs in a season. He finished as the top batter for Madhya Pradesh.
Q. When did Rajat Patidar make his Test debut?
A. Rajat Patidar made his Test debut on 2 February 2024 against England.
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