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"Didn't Want To...," RCB Captain Rajat Patidar Recalls When Franchise Broke Their Promise

Poulomi Chakraborty

Patidar's Doubts Before Joining RCB (Source: @katyxkohli17/x.com)Patidar's Doubts Before Joining RCB (Source: @katyxkohli17/x.com)

The IPL 2025 witnessed a new beginning for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru as Rajat Patidar took the reins as the new RCB skipper. Coming as an injury replacement to lead the franchise, his stint with RCB is nothing short of a fairytale.

But the beginning was not that beautiful, as Patidar was unhappy over the franchise. In a recent interaction, he opened up about the rocky beginning and revealed the full story behind his early disappointment.

Patidar’s Disappointment Over RCB’s Move

In the domestic cricket circuit, Rajat Patidar is a well-known name for his batting brilliance. Consistent performance at the domestic circuit was about to earn his maiden IPL contract with the Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the IPL 2022 Mega auction, but it took a u-turn. On the RCB Podcast, Patidar revealed how heartbroken he was after being overlooked by RCB, despite earlier assurances.

“I had got a message (ahead of the mega auction for IPL 2022) that you should be ready... that we will pick you. I had a little hope that I would get another chance (to play for RCB). But I wasn't picked in the mega auction. I was a little sad,” Patidar said.

Sisodia’s Injury Turns The Tide For Patidar

As cricket always asks for consistency, Patidar concentrated on his game after being overlooked for the franchise. But the fate had some other plan for the RCB skipper as the franchise contacted him again as Luvnith Sisodia was ruled out for the whole season.

Initially hesitant to join as just a replacement, Rajat Patidar had no idea that this second chance would become the turning point of his career. In the recent podcast, he confessed he was frustrated with the franchise at first, believing a replacement role meant riding the bench with little opportunity to prove himself.

“I (had) started playing in my local matches in Indore (after not getting picked in the auction). Then, I got a call that 'we are picking you as a replacement for Luvnith Sisodia', who was injured. To tell you frankly, I didn't want to come as a replacement because I knew that I wouldn't get a chance to play there, and I always feel that I don't want to sit there (in the dugout),” he said.


“I wasn't angry. It was like, if they didn't pick me (during the auction), then I won't get it (get to play). I was angry for a while but then I was normal,” he added.

As the IPL 2025 resumes on May 17, RCB is set to face KKR in the first game at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. With 8 wins in 11 games, RCB sits comfortably at second place and will be eager to extend their red-hot form.