Star Indian batter and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) captain Rajat Patidar announced his return to red-ball cricket in style, smashing an 80-ball century for Central Zone against North-East Zone in a Duleep Trophy clash on Thursday. The innings, featuring 18 boundaries and two sixes, marked Patidar’s 14th hundred in first-class cricket and reinforced his case for a middle-order spot in the Indian team, a position he once lost due to inconsistent returns.

Coming in after wicketkeeper Aryan Juyal retired hurt on 60, Patidar raced to his fifty in just 42 balls. Sharing the crease with Vidarbha’s Danish Malewar, who also scored a century off 144 balls, Patidar helped steer Central Zone to 314/1 at tea, remaining unbeaten on 111 while Malewar was on 132 not out.

Originally, Dhruv Jurel—who replaced the injured Rishabh Pant in India’s series-levelling win over England at The Oval—was slated to captain Central Zone, with Patidar as his deputy. However, Jurel missed the quarterfinal clash due to a groin niggle, leaving Patidar to lead and anchor the innings.

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The Central Zone side also features notable Indian players, including pacers Khaleel Ahmed, Deepak Chahar, and spinner Kuldeep Yadav. The two Duleep Trophy semifinals are scheduled at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence ground starting September 4, with the final set for September 11.

Rajat Patidar on 🔥 in Duleep Trophy! 💯

Blazing century off just 80 balls ⚡

Smashed 18 fours & 2 sixes 🎯

Leading from the front as captain 👏

What a knock! 🇮🇳🏏 pic.twitter.com/4y3Zt20aNA

— ankit kumar (@ankibairwa999) August 28, 2025

Patidar had been out of action since leading RCB to their maiden IPL title in June. In the 2025 season, he amassed 312 runs in 14 matches at an average of 24 and a strike rate of 143.77, but his leadership drew the most praise.

RCB coach Andy Flower lauded Patidar for handling captaincy with maturity, saying, “As an inexperienced captain, he hasn’t been affected. His batting remains solid, and he is still the lovely, gentle, polite Rajat Patidar we knew last year.”

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With this commanding century, Patidar not only reaffirmed his leadership credentials but also sent a strong message to selectors that he is ready to reclaim a place in the Indian middle order.