Rajat Manohar Patidar (Rajat Patidar), born on June 1, 1993, in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, has carved his name into Indian cricket through sheer grit and remarkable performances. A right-handed top-order batsman and an occasional off-spin bowler, Patidar’s journey from local academies to the international arena is a story of perseverance, adaptability, and explosive talent.
Rajat Patidar Early Beginnings and Cricket Roots
Rajat Patidar’s love for cricket began at just eight years old when his grandfather enrolled him in a local academy. Initially a fast bowler, he switched to off-spin during his U-15 days to secure more playing opportunities. Balancing academics with cricket, he studied at New Digamber Public School, Indore, before moving to Guru Vashishtha College, Dewas, where he continued refining his game.
Domestic Career: A Steady Climb
Rajat Patidar’s first-class debut came in the 2015-16 Ranji Trophy against Baroda, where he announced his arrival with a half-century in his first innings and a century in the second. His List-A debut followed soon after in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, where he smashed a quickfire 50 off 40 balls against Saurashtra.
By the 2018-19 Ranji season, he had become Madhya Pradesh’s leading run-scorer, amassing 713 runs in eight matches. His consistency earned him a spot in the India Blue squad for the Duleep Trophy (2019-20), further cementing his reputation as a reliable batsman.
IPL Breakthrough: From Unsold to Unstoppable
Rajat Patidar’s IPL journey began in 2021 when Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) picked him for his base price of ₹20 lakh. Though his first season was quiet, his 2022 campaign became legendary. Initially unsold in the auction, he returned as a mid-season replacement and delivered one of the greatest playoff performances in IPL history—an unbeaten 112 off 54 balls against Lucknow Super Giants. This made him the first uncapped player to score a century in IPL playoffs, a knock that turned him into a household name.
Ahead of the 2025 season, RCB rewarded his leadership qualities by naming him captain, a huge milestone in his career.
It's time for Rajat Patidar to repeat this against Noor Ahmad.
— Lucifer (@LuciferCric) March 28, 2025#CSKvRCB #RCBvsCSK
pic.twitter.com/BRDdxAB3Oq
International Debut: The Dream Realized
Rajat Patidar’s domestic and IPL exploits earned him an India call-up. He made his ODI debut against South Africa on December 21, 2023, scoring 22 off 16 balls. His Test debut followed on February 2, 2024, against England, where he contributed 32 and 9 runs in his two innings. Though his early international outings were modest, they marked the beginning of what promises to be a long and impactful career.
Playing Style: Elegance Meets Aggression
Patidar is a technically sound batsman with the ability to anchor innings or accelerate when needed. His cover drives and pull shots are particularly eye-catching, while his sharp fielding adds value in any format. Though he rarely bowls, his off-spin provides an extra option for his team.
Aadi thammudu ochadu
— Meenssy
Rajat Patidar ochadani Cheppuu pic.twitter.com/e0bWs9pLP7(@Meeenakshiiii) March 22, 2025
Personal Life: Family, Love, and Hobbies
Off the field, Patidar is a family man. He married Gunjan Patidar in a grand ceremony in Indore on July 7, 2022. His father, Manohar Patidar, is a businessman, while his mother, Rekha Patidar, has been a constant support. An avid traveler and animal lover, Patidar enjoys golf, cycling, and spending time with his two pet dogs.
Overcoming Adversity: Injuries and Comebacks
Rajat Patidar’s career hasn’t been without setbacks. A devastating ACL injury in 2014 kept him out for nearly a year, but he fought back stronger. In 2023, an Achilles heel injury ruled him out of the IPL, but after successful surgery and rehab, he returned with renewed determination.
#CSK bowlers keeping it tight
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) March 28, 2025
Captain Rajat Patidar joins Virat Kohli in the middle#RCB 93/2 after 10 overs.
Updateshttps://t.co/I7maHMwxDS #TATAIPL | #CSKvRCB pic.twitter.com/WXiHXMP82n
Achievements and Legacy
- First uncapped player to score an IPL playoff century (2022)
- Madhya Pradesh’s leading run-scorer in 2018-19 Ranji Trophy
- Awarded BCCI’s C-category central contract in 2024 (alongside Avesh Khan, becoming the first from MP to achieve this)
The Road Ahead
From the cricket grounds of Indore to leading RCB and wearing the India jersey, Rajat Patidar’s journey is a testament to hard work and resilience. As he continues to evolve, Indian cricket fans eagerly await more match-winning performances from this rising star.
His story proves that talent, when paired with perseverance, always finds its way to the top.
RCB skipper riding his luck tonight!
— Sportskeeda (@Sportskeeda) March 28, 2025
Three dropped catches by CSK fielders, and the RCB captain Rajat Patidar survives!
Will he make them pay?#RajatPatidar #IPL2025 #CSKvRCB #Sportskeeda pic.twitter.com/jdBKZTcnfU
