Explained: Why Rajat Patidar Should Replace Devdutt Padikkal At Number 3 Vs CSK

Why Patidar should bat at 3 [Source: @iplt20.com]

The much-anticipated IPL 2025 clash between the Chennai Super Kings and the Royal Challengers Bengaluru is just around the corner and the Super Kings will be gunning for revenge as the Bengaluru based side defeated them in the last encounter, which came in the 2024 season.

However, this is a fresh start as RCB, started off the tournament with a massive win over Kolkata Knight Riders in a one-sided contest. In that game, everything went right for RCB, barring one major flaw.

For some reason, Devdutt Padikkal was sent in to bat at number 3 and the left-handed batter who struggles against spin couldn't time the ball and was dismissed cheaply. Rajat Patidar, who demoted himself to number 4 played a brilliant cameo and almost sealed the game for his side. For the crucial game against CSK, he should replace Padikkal at number 3 and here's why.

No one is better than Patidar when playing spin

The RCB lineup have so many exceptional players of pace bowling, but no is better than Patidar when it comes to facing spin. The RCB skipper has an extraordinary game against spin bowling and with the Chepauk surface assisting the spinners, team's best spin hitter should face as many balls as possible.

(Patidar stats Vs spin in IPL)

Patidar strikes at almost 200 and CSK have plethora of spinners in their lineup and RCB's best spin bet is Patidar and hence, he should promote himself back to number 3.

Padikkal's woeful spin stats

Padikkal has an opposite record against spin as compared to Patidar. Over the years, his game against spin has regressed and it was evident during the KKR match when he failed to tackle Sunil Narine and Varun Chakravarthy.

(Padikkal spin record in IPL)

In 48 IPL matches, Padikkal has failed to deliver against spin bowling. He has amassed 515 runs in 428 balls, but the strike-rate is questionable as it is only 120.3, which is well below some of the best hitters of spin.

He tends to get into two minds against spinners and RCB cannot afford that against the likes of Noor Ahmad, R Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja on Friday.

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