Talented batter Rajat Patidar is at an important juncture in his career right now, and the upcoming ODI series against South Africa might be important for him as well. However, he received a similar opportunity when he was named to the Team India squad against the Proteas in 2022, but did not make his international debut as well. Later, he sustained a long-term injury and missed the entirety of IPL 2023.

Patidar recently returned through the domestic circuit and has been among the runs in the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy as well. He has scored four fifties in six matches for Madhya Pradesh as well. Patidar said in an interaction with the Hindustan Times: “Now, I believe in destiny a bit. I try not to think too much into what’s written in destiny. I try to stay in the present. It feels very good to get another chance with the India set up after the surgery.”

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“Before the hundred (112* off 54 balls vs LSG), I had scored 52 against GT. That’s when I felt maybe I can score a hundred in IPL. I had said that to our coach Sanjay Bangar. I was getting out in the 12th over. I knew if I chose the bowlers more smartly, I would be able to do it,” Patidar said.

However, Rajat Patidar has been performing well across all three formats, and played a starring role in Madhya Pradesh’s Ranji Trophy win in 2021. He hit 122 runs in the final against Mumbai, leading to his side’s six-wicket win as well.

“From watching top players one thing I have learnt is that the consistent players never have to change their game too much in T20. They back their cricketing shots and find a way to score. It’s the main tendon in the body and takes a year-and-a-half to heal completely. It’s been 6-7 months so far. The doctor has told me that I can play and the heel with slowly get used to the ground conditions. There is some pain. But I had played for three years with pain (before surgery). So, I know I can manage,” Rajat Patidar concluded.