Rajat Patidar Vs Venkatesh Iyer: Is RCB Mainstay Better Than KKR Ace In IPL?

Rajat Patidar Vs Venkatesh Iyer [Source: @IPL, @mufaddal_vohra/x.com]

In the IPL, where reputations are made and broken in a matter of games, Rajat Patidar and Venkatesh Iyer have created their own paths. Both these stars who hail from Madhya Pradesh, earned their India caps courtesy of the IPL stage.

While Patidar has become a backbone for RCB, Iyer’s roller-coaster journey with KKR has been a mix of fireworks and fumbles. Ahead of IPL 2025, Patidar’s retention by RCB for INR 11 crore and Iyer’s re-purchase by KKR for a staggering INR 23.75 crore tell us just how valuable these two are.

But the question remains – who’s better in the IPL? Here’s an in-depth comparison of their batting styles, overall numbers, and performances across phases.

Rajat Patidar vs Venkatesh Iyer: Batting Styles

Rajat Patidar is a purist’s dream and a nightmare for bowlers. Whether it’s spin or pace, he counters both with absolute ease as if he’s playing in his backyard. His adaptability has been the talk of the town.

On the other hand, Venkatesh Iyer is more of a marauder. He thrives against pace but looks a bit shaky against quality spin. His bat swing against pacers is a treat to watch, but when it comes to spin, he’s often found wanting.

Rajat Patidar vs Venkatesh Iyer: Overall IPL Stats

Patidar’s strike rate of 158.85 dwarfs Iyer’s 137.13, showing his ability to shift gears. While Iyer has more runs, his tally comes with a lower average and more games. Patidar’s numbers scream consistency and intent, while Iyer’s volume is more about longevity.

Rajat Patidar vs Venkatesh Iyer: Against Pace and Spin

Patidar’s ability to dominate spin stands out with a sensational strike rate of 177.4. Iyer’s numbers against spin don’t inspire much confidence, especially his average of 31.2.

Against pace, both players hold their own, but Patidar edges ahead with a better strike rate, showing he can take the attack to the fast bowlers as well.

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Rajat Patidar vs Venkatesh Iyer: Powerplay Performances

In the powerplay, Venkatesh Iyer has amassed more runs but at a lower average. Patidar’s average of 56.7 shows his knack for building solid starts. Iyer’s aggressive intent is evident in his 70 fours and 25 sixes, but Patidar’s consistency is something that makes him a safer bet.

Rajat Patidar vs Venkatesh Iyer: Middle Overs (7-15)

Iyer’s average of 45.9 in the middle overs shows he knows how to anchor. However, Patidar’s strike rate of 166.3 is miles ahead, proving his ability to up the ante when needed. While Iyer plays it safe, Patidar makes bowlers sweat.

Rajat Patidar vs Venkatesh Iyer: Death Overs (16-20)

The death overs separate the men from the boys and Patidar’s mind-boggling strike rate of 240.0 puts him in a league of his own. On the other hand, Iyer struggles to find the boundary consistently in the final phase of the innings.

Rajat Patidar vs Venkatesh Iyer: Who’s Better in the IPL?

Patidar and Iyer both bring something unique to the table. If you’re looking for aggression, adaptability, and a reliable batter in clutch moments, Patidar takes the cake. He’s a batter who can handle spin and pace equally well, attack from ball one, and still keep his head on his shoulders. Iyer, while a powerful hitter against pace, struggles against spin and hasn’t shown the same consistency or adaptability.

To sum it up, Patidar is the all-round batting package, while Iyer’s game is still a work in progress. In the IPL’s high-pressure environment, Patidar seems like the guy you’d want in your corner when the chips are down.

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