“I Didn’t Want to Join as a Replacement”: Rajat Patidar Opens Up About Feeling ‘Sad’ and ‘Angry’ with RCB

Rajat Patidar is currently at the helm of Royal Challengers Bengaluru, steering the team towards a likely playoff qualification.

From Rejection to Redemption: Rajat Patidar’s Emotional Journey to Leading RCB

Rajat Patidar, who is leading Royal Challengers Bengaluru in IPL 2025, has opened up about the emotional highs and lows of his IPL journey. The 30-year-old batter has been a key figure in RCB’s middle order this season, scoring 239 runs in 11 matches. But his path to leadership was far from straightforward.

Speaking on the RCB Podcast, Patidar recalled the heartbreak of going unsold in the IPL 2022 mega auction despite prior assurances. “I had got a message that I should be ready, that I would be picked. But I wasn’t. I was a little sad,” he said. The disappointment lingered until RCB called him as a replacement for an injured Luvnith Sisodia. Even then, Patidar was unsure. “I didn’t want to come in as a replacement because I felt I wouldn’t get a chance to play. I wasn’t angry, just disappointed,” he admitted.

His fortunes turned quickly. Patidar grabbed his opportunity and has now become the leader of a team chasing its first IPL title. Reflecting on captaining a side previously led by Virat Kohli, Patidar admitted he initially had doubts. “There are so many big players. Virat is such a huge name. How would I manage under him?” But Kohli’s mentorship proved vital. “I knew I had his full support. I just want to learn as much as I can from him. No one has his level of experience and cricketing insight,” Patidar said.

Rajat Patidar on receiving captaincy

Rajat Patidar described the moment Virat Kohli officially handed him the captaincy of Royal Challengers Bengaluru as one he’ll never forget.

“When he was giving it to me, I was a bit worried about how to take it. I was completely blank,” Patidar revealed. The symbolic handover, marked by the presentation of the captaincy plaque, was filled with emotion and uncertainty for the young leader stepping into Kohli’s shoes.

But it was Kohli’s words that settled his nerves and left a lasting impact.

“Then he said a couple of words like, ‘you deserve it, you earned it.’ So I felt a little bit okay,” Patidar said, reflecting on the reassurance and trust shown by the former skipper. “I think that was a special moment.”

Now at the helm, Patidar continues to channel that confidence and support into his leadership, guiding RCB in their push for a maiden IPL title.

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