Who is Rajat Patidar?
Rajat Manohar Patidar (born June 1, 1993, in Indore, Madhya Pradesh) is an Indian cricketer known for his aggressive batting style as a top-order right-handed batter. Currently playing for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the IPL and representing Madhya Pradesh in domestic cricket, Patidar has emerged as one of India’s most exciting middle-order talents.
Cricket Career Overview
Early Career & Domestic Success
- Made his First-Class debut for Madhya Pradesh in 2015-16, scoring a century in his second match.
- Played a crucial role in Madhya Pradesh’s historic 2022 Ranji Trophy victory, scoring a century in the final against Mumbai.
- Consistent performer in List A and T20 cricket, with a strike rate of 158+ in T20s.
IPL Journey with RCB
- 2021: Signed by RCB but played only 4 matches before being released.
- 2022: Returned as a replacement player and delivered a match-winning 112* (54 balls) against Lucknow Super Giants in the Eliminator.
- 2023: Missed the season due to a heel injury.
- 2024: Retained by RCB as a key middle-order batter.
International Career
- ODI Debut: vs South Africa (December 2023) – scored 22 off 16 balls.
- Test Debut: vs England (February 2024) – struggled in his first series.
Rajat Patidar’s Playing Style
- Batting: Aggressive right-handed batter, strong against spin and pace.
- Key Strengths: Clean striker, excellent pull shot, and ability to accelerate in middle overs.
- IPL Impact: Known for his match-winning 112* (54) vs LSG in 2022, one of the best playoff knocks in IPL history.
Rajat Patidar’s Career Stats (2025 Update)
Batting Stats Across Formats
| Format | Matches | Innings | Runs | HS | Avg | SR | 100s | 50s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 3 | 6 | 63 | 32 | 10.50 | 38.41 | 0 | 0 |
| ODI | 1 | 1 | 22 | 22 | 22.00 | 137.50 | 0 | 0 |
| FC | 68 | 116 | 4,738 | 196 | 43.07 | 54.96 | 13 | 24 |
| List A | 64 | 63 | 2,211 | 158 | 37.47 | 99.59 | 4 | 13 |
| T20 | 77 | 73 | 2,548 | 112* | 38.60 | 158.75 | 1 | 25 |
IPL Stats (RCB)
| Matches | Runs | HS | Avg | SR | 100s | 50s | 4s | 6s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 29 | 884 | 112* | 35.36 | 160.43 | 1 | 8 | 60 | 58 |
Key Achievements & Records
✅ First RCB batter to score a century in IPL playoffs (112* vs LSG, 2022)
✅ Match-winning Ranji Trophy final century (2022)
✅ Strike rate of 160+ in IPL (among best for middle-order batters)
✅ Fastest 50 by an RCB batter in IPL 2022 (off just 21 balls)
Future Prospects
With strong domestic performances and a proven IPL track record, Rajat Patidar is a strong contender for India’s T20 World Cup squad. His ability to play spin well makes him a valuable asset in subcontinental conditions.
Conclusion: Can Rajat Patidar Become India’s Next Big Middle-Order Batter?
Rajat Patidar has shown glimpses of brilliance in domestic cricket, IPL, and international matches. While his Test career has started slowly, his T20 performances for RCB prove he has the potential to be a long-term finisher for India.
Will 2025 be his breakthrough year? If he maintains his aggressive batting form, Patidar could soon become a regular in India’s white-ball teams.
FAQs About Rajat Patidar
Q: When did Rajat Patidar make his IPL debut?
A: He debuted in IPL 2021 for RCB but rose to fame in 2022 with a century in the Eliminator.
Q: What is Rajat Patidar’s highest score in IPL?
A: 112* (54 balls) vs Lucknow Super Giants (2022 Eliminator).
Q: Has Rajat Patidar played for India?
A: Yes, he made his ODI debut vs South Africa (2023) and Test debut vs England (2024).
Q: Why did Rajat Patidar miss IPL 2023?
A: Due to a heel injury that required surgery.
Q: Which team does Rajat Patidar play for in domestic cricket?
A: Madhya Pradesh in Ranji Trophy & Vijay Hazare Trophy.
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