Royal Challengers Bengaluru skipper Rajat Patidar has opened up about a turbulent chapter in his IPL journey—one that began with disappointment and eventually led to his elevation as captain. Recalling the events post the 2022 mega auction, Patidar admitted feeling heartbroken and even angry when he was initially overlooked, only to be brought in later as an injury replacement for Luvnith Sisodia.

Speaking on the RCB Podcast, Rajat Patidar revealed that he had minimal expectations after being unsold at the auction, despite some promising performances in 2021. “I played a few matches that season and was told I’d get more chances. But when AB got injured, I missed out on playing in the second half. Then came the mega-auction, and I wasn’t picked,” he shared. “I had little hope of returning.”

But fate had other plans. When Sisodia, a close friend, suffered an injury, Patidar was called up as a replacement. Despite the opportunity, he confessed to having reservations about joining in such a capacity.

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“Honestly, I didn’t want to come as a replacement. I felt I wouldn’t get playing time,” he said candidly. 

Fast forward to IPL 2025, and Patidar now leads the same franchise that once made him doubt his place. Taking over the reins from none other than Virat Kohli, Patidar admitted feeling the weight of expectations.

“I was under pressure when I was named captain. But Virat’s words helped calm me,” he said.

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Now a vital cog in RCB’s middle order, Patidar has scored 239 runs in 11 games and is focused on steering his side towards their elusive first IPL title. With RCB set to face Kolkata Knight Riders at home on May 17, Patidar’s story serves as a reminder of resilience and the unpredictability of cricketing journeys.