Rajat Patidar is an Indian cricketer from Indore, born on 1 June 1993. He bats right-handed in the top order and bowls off-spin. He plays for Madhya Pradesh domestically and captains Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the IPL, winning their first title in 2025.
He started cricket at age 8, first as a bowler. Then focused on batting after U-15 levels. Strong domestic and IPL performances in 2022 got him into India’s ODI squad against South Africa and later New Zealand. But he didn’t play in those games.
He made his ODI debut on 21 December 2023 vs South Africa, scoring 22 off 16 balls. He debuted in Tests on 2 February 2024 against England, scoring 32 and 9 in the two innings.
Top 10 Things You Didn’t Know About Rajat Patidar
Started as a Pace Bowler, Injury Forced Him to Bat
Believe it or not, Patidar wanted to be a bowling all-rounder. But in 2014, a serious ACL injury ruled him out for eight months. His family wanted him to quit. He convinced them to let him continue and switched to batting full-time under former India player Amey Khurasiya. That painful injury turned him into the batter we know today.
Postponed His Own Wedding for an IPL Call-Up
In 2022, Patidar went unsold at the IPL mega-auction. His family fixed his wedding for May 9. Then RCB called needing a replacement. He didn’t think twice. He postponed the wedding and flew to Bangalore. Sixteen days later, on May 25, he played the Eliminator against LSG. With RCB collapsing, he played the innings of his life.
First Uncapped Player with an IPL Playoff Century
In that Eliminator against Lucknow Super Giants, RCB was in deep trouble. Patidar walked in and smashed 112 runs off just 54 balls – 12 fours and 7 sixes. He became the first uncapped player in IPL history to score a playoff century. That knock single-handedly carried RCB to a massive total and became an instant classic.
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 against Baroda, he scored a 127-ball 101 in the second innings. Then in the 2022 Ranji Trophy final against Mumbai, with his team chasing their maiden title, he hit 121 off 219 balls. MP won. Pressure? What pressure?
First Indian Captain to Lead RCB to an IPL Title
For 17 years, RCB waited for an IPL trophy. In 2025, they made Patidar captain. In his debut season as skipper, he led them to glory. He became the first Indian player to win an IPL as captain before ever leading the national side. After the final, Virat Kohli walked in and gifted his own bat to Patidar. Respect.
Lifelong RCB Fan Because of Kohli and AB
Before playing for RCB, Patidar was a devoted fan. His favourite team was always Bangalore because of his idols, Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers. He has spoken about how nervous he was before meeting them. To go from cheering in the stands to leading them to a trophy is the stuff dreams are made of.
Equalled Chris Gayle’s Record for Most Sixes in an IPL Over
In April 2026, Patidar showed his power-hitting side. He smashed a KKR spinner for five sixes and a four in a single over – 30 runs in total. That incredible feat put him alongside the legendary Chris Gayle as joint record-holder for most sixes (five) in one IPL over. From elegant batter to brutal hitter.
Went Unsold, Then Played for Just ₹20 Lakh for Years
Patidar’s IPL salary story is pure grit. He was completely unsold in the 2022 mega-auction – heartbreaking. Even when RCB bought him in 2021, his contract was just ₹20 lakh. He played four seasons at that base price. Finally, RCB rewarded him with an ₹11 crore retention for 2025. From rock bottom to the top.
Scored Fifty on List-A Debut, Dismissed by Jadeja
In December 2015, Patidar made his List-A debut for Madhya Pradesh against Saurashtra. He announced himself with a blazing 40-ball 53. But the man who cut short his innings was none other than Ravindra Jadeja – one of the world’s best all-rounders. A baptism by fire against a legend on day one.
Turned Down a Lucrative Family Business for Cricket
Unlike many struggle stories, Patidar’s family is financially comfortable. His father runs a timber and pipe manufacturing business. But Patidar’s passion for cricket was stronger. He went against family wishes to focus on business. And chose the uncertainty of professional cricket instead. As an IPL captain, he lives simply and stays private.
FAQs
Q. When and where was Rajat Patidar born?
A. Rajat Patidar was born on 1 June 1993 in Indore, India.
Q. What is his role in cricket?
A. Rajat Patidar bats right-handed in the top order and bowls off-spin.
Q. Which teams does Rajat Patidar play for?
A. Madhya Pradesh in domestic cricket and Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the IPL.
Q. When did Rajat Patidar make his international debut?
A. ODI debut on 21 December 2023 vs South Africa. Test debut on 2 February 2024 vs England.
Q. Has Rajat Patidar won any major titles?
A. Yes, Rajat Patidar led RCB to their first IPL title in 2025.
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