Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) captain Rajat Patidar recently revealed his disappointment over not being picked in the IPL 2022 mega auction. The 31-year-old batsman shared that he had been told Royal Challengers Bengaluru would select him during the auction, which gave him hope.
Rajat Patidar joined Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the 2022 IPL season as a replacement for the injured Luvnith Sisodia. The middle-order batter played a pivotal role for the team, including a match-winning unbeaten 112 runs in the victory against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in the Eliminator clash.
Rajat Patidar shared the emotional journey he experienced after going unsold during the IPL 2022 mega auction. Speaking on the RCB Podcast, he revealed that RCB had assured him he would be picked.
“I had got a message (ahead of the mega auction for IPL 2022) that you 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 on the RCB Podcast.
Patidar missed the 2023 IPL season due to an Achilles heel injury. He scored 395 runs across 15 matches, playing a key role in Bengaluru’s journey to the playoffs during IPL 2024. The batter was named RCB captain for the 2025 season.
I Didn’t Want to Come as a Replacement - Rajat Patidar
Rajat Patidar shared that he received a second opportunity when RCB called him up as an injury replacement for Luvnith Sisodia. However, Patidar admitted he wasn’t thrilled about joining the squad as a backup.
“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).
“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 recalled.
I Was a Bit Worried About How to Take It - Rajat Patidar
Patidar said that Virat Kohli handing him the Royal Challengers Bengaluru captaincy was a truly special experience. He admitted feeling overwhelmed and unsure of how to react, but Kohli's reassuring words helped ease his nerves.
“When he was giving it to me, I was a bit worried about how to take it. I was completely blank... Then he said a couple of words like, 'You deserve it, you earned it'. So I felt a little bit okay... I think that was a special moment.”
Patidar has scored 239 runs in 11 matches at an average of 23.90 and a strike rate of 140.58, including two fifties. RCB will return to action with a match against Kolkata Knight Riders at the Chinnaswamy Stadium on Saturday, May 17.
They are just one win away from sealing a playoff spot, having secured eight victories in 11 games. With three matches remaining, the team will also be aiming for a top-two finish. Patidar needs to regain form and lead the side with the bat.
Also read: Did Kusal Mendis swipe IPL for PSL due to a massive Security Threat? Truth Is OUT
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