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‘Leader Material’: Mentors Praise Patidar's Skills Ahead Of Taking Helm As RCB Skipper

Poulomi Chakraborty

Rajat Patidar Takes Helm As RCB's Skipper (Source: @ali_tweets05/x.com)Rajat Patidar Takes Helm As RCB's Skipper (Source: @ali_tweets05/x.com)

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As IPL 2025 is commencing soon, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru is on its way toward a new beginning. After parting away with Faf du Plessis, the franchise named Rajat Patidar as their captain and set to start a new beginning.

With that appointment, Patidar has become the eighth captain of the franchise and fans have welcomed him wholeheartedly. As he embarks on this new chapter, his mentors share insights into his leadership and temperament.

Devendra Bhundela On Patidar

With Rajat Patidar’s appointment, RCB marked a new era in their IPL journey. After coming to the franchise in 2021, the Madhya Pradesh batter shaped and evolved his career. With Faf du Plessis’ exit, many expected Virat Kohli’s return as captain, but RCB surprised everyone by naming Patidar as skipper. As he steps into this new role, his mentor Devendra Bhundela shares insights into his leadership style.

“He has a great cricketing brain, which is why he has played to such a high level. RCB has made the absolute right call in making him the captain. He’ll do well, he has the captaincy talent in him. He’s very good with his teammates, helps everyone, and motivates everyone.” he said.

In the recently ended Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, Rajat Patidar showcased his exceptional captaincy skill along with batting brilliance. After having an exceptional season, Madhya Pradesh qualified for the final match since the 2010-11 season. Along with that, he scored 428 runs with an exceptional strike rate of 186.08. Bundela reflected on that.

“I don’t think it’ll make a difference for him… He’ll do even better,” he added.

Kharusiya On Patidar’s New Chapter

From a young age, Rajat Patidar honed his skills under the guidance of former Indian cricketer Amay Khurusiya, who played a key role in shaping his career. Ahead of the new chapter of his IPL career, Kharusiya hailed the batter for his calm and composed nature, expressing confidence in his ability to lead RCB into this exciting new chapter.

“Everything that comes out with a lot of hyper moments, that’s not Rajat. Rajat is quiet and poised. He will take his pause, and you know, he’ll be the Lone Sentinel if it comes for his team to fight it out till the last breath. He’s an outstanding boy, very honest, very committed, a man of few words, but very intense inside.” Kharusiya said.


“People think aggression is always outside, in terms of the sort of sentences you speak, but this boy speaks less, but he has a lot of intensity from inside. And his body is always outstanding. Some people don’t have to speak, but they are Royal. He’s a man with fewer words, but he’s Royal. He is an outstanding guy with a lot of poise, and he is the one who will be placid amid noise and haste. So I think he is a good choice for RCB.” he added.

Mentors On Managing Stardom

The Royal Challengers Bengaluru has a history of having a star-studded squad since the beginning and the current squad is nothing different from that. With Virat Kohli, Liam Livingstone, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Phil Salt, and Josh Hazelwood in the mix, managing big names seems challenging. However, Amay Khurasiya believes Rajat Patidar will handle the pressure with the same composure he shows on the field.

“He’s not boss material, he’s leader material. He’s a man who knows what respect is required, what is respect for the people who have played for the country for 10, 15 and 20 years. So he will not impose himself on anyone in terms of what he is today, and he is the last man who will be arrogant about his success. He will not just give respect, he will give a lot of respect and reverence. I repeat, reverence..” Kharusiya said.

As the tournament is going live on March 22, Royal Challengers Bengaluru will embark on their new journey under Patidar’s captaincy. Boasting a star-studded squad, the team is determined to chase their long-awaited IPL glory in this exciting new era.