Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) captain Rajat Patidar may have missed out on selection for the ongoing Asia Cup 2025, but the stylish right-hander has ensured his name stays in the headlines. Currently captaining Central Zone in the Duleep Trophy 2025 Final against South Zone in Bengaluru, Patidar has led from the front with sharp decision-making, brilliant awareness, and breathtaking athleticism.
Winning the toss, Rajat Patidar elected to bowl first against the Mohammed Azharuddeen-led South Zone—a call that proved spot-on considering the damp pitch and heavy morning clouds after overnight rain. His bowlers made immediate use of the conditions, with Kumar Kartikeya and Saransh Jain spearheading the attack and sharing eight wickets between them.
But the highlight of the day came in the 49th over of South Zone’s first innings at the BCCI Centre of Excellence Ground, where Rajat Patidar produced one of the catches of the tournament. Facing Saransh Jain, Salman Nizar edged a sharply rising delivery that ricocheted off the silly-point fielder’s hands and flew toward gully.
ALSO READ: Ajay Jadeja Questions Asia Cup 2025 Format After India’s Dominant Win Over UAE
In a flash, Rajat Patidar launched himself forward, diving full-length just inches above the turf to complete a spectacular catch. The effort drew instant applause from teammates, commentators, and fans, underlining his reputation as a livewire on the field.
Excellent awareness & presence of mind! 👌
Central Zone captain Rajat Patidar completes a brilliant tag-team catch to dismiss Salman Nizar 🔥
Scorecard ▶️ https://t.co/unz0hJ66yE#DuleepTrophy | #Final | @IDFCFIRSTBank pic.twitter.com/uJBtd7buWF
— BCCI Domestic (@BCCIdomestic) September 11, 2025
Meanwhile, Saransh Jain was the star with the ball, finishing with a five-wicket haul (5/49 in 24 overs, including two maidens), dismantling South Zone’s middle order with sharp turn and deceptive flight. Kartikeya’s early strikes had set the tone, while Jain’s consistency ensured South Zone were bundled out for just 149 runs. Tanmay Agarwal’s gritty 31 off 76 balls was the lone bright spot for South.
Patidar’s tactical nous stood out as well. His decision to start with seamers and quickly bring spinners into the attack paid off handsomely, as Central Zone tightened their grip on the contest before lunch. By tea, Central found themselves in complete control, with their skipper inspiring confidence both as a leader and a fielder.
WATCH – Irfan Pathan Questions India’s Death Over Strategy, Highlights Hardik Pandya’s Role
Heading into the final sessions, Rajat Patidar and his batting unit—including Yash Rathod, Danish Malewar, and Akshay Wadkar—will look to capitalise on the golden start and set a commanding lead. For Patidar, this Duleep Trophy final is not just about winning silverware but also about reinforcing his credentials as a future India prospect with both bat and leadership skills.
