Rajat Patidar’s emergence as captain of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) is a landmark moment in the franchise’s history. RCB has, for 17 years, equated to big-star leadership with its Virat Kohlis and Faf du Plessis at the helm. But Patidar’s elevation speaks of a shift towards meritocracy by acknowledging his domestic cricket achievements with Madhya Pradesh over the franchise’s typical starboys.

What makes this choice even more astonishing is that, until recently, all the signs were that Virat Kohli would be back at the helm. However, RCB’s management has put their trust in Patidar, a choice that has left many surprised but not those who have seen him grow. His cricketing origins are in Indore, where he first concentrated on off-spin bowling before developing into a force to be reckoned with as a batter.

Devendra Bundela, Rajat Patidar’s previous captain and mentor in Madhya Pradesh, is convinced RCB made the correct decision. “He has a very good cricketing brain, that’s why he has played at such a high level,” Bundela said to News18 CricketNext. “He is a natural leader who encourages and inspires his teammates. I have no doubt he will do well.

ALSO READ: Jalaj Saxena Opens Up On India Selection Snub, Stays Motivated Despite BCCI Oversight

Patidar has consistently risen through the ranks, taking Madhya Pradesh to a Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy final for the first time since 2010-11. His temperament, particularly in pressure situations, is often complimented. Former India cricketer Amay Khurasiya, who has coached Patidar and guided players such as Avesh Khan, terms him as a player who has quiet confidence.

“He’s not the kind of guy to get swept up in emotional highs and lows,” Amay Khurasiya says. “Patidar is cool, calm, and relentless. He doesn’t say much, but he commands respect. Real aggression isn’t about loud mouth—it’s about intensity, and he’s got a lot of it.”

Even though he has a fierce brand of cricket, Patidar’s coaches feel captaincy will not affect his performance. His career-best 428 runs in the just-concluded Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy—averaging 61.14 with a strike rate of 186.08—is testimony that leadership can only make him a better player.

Managing a team with superstars such as Kohli, Josh Hazlewood, Liam Livingstone, and Bhuvneshwar Kumar would be intimidating, but Patidar’s humility will prevent him from having an ego management issue. “He’s not a boss—he’s a leader,” Amay Khurasiya stresses. “He has a lot of respect for senior players and the weight of leadership without arrogance. He won’t assert himself but will gain respect from his work.”

ALSO READ: Smriti Mandhana Praises RCB’s Batting Heroics But Stresses Bowling Improvements

When it comes to his captaincy approach, RCB supporters can look forward to a balanced skipper who marries tactical planning with intuitive decision-making. “Real leadership is when plans go awry,” Khurasiya sums up. “And if there’s one thing I am sure of, it’s that Patidar will take RCB closer to that elusive trophy.”