Rajat Patidar’s flair against spin bowling isn’t a recent development—it’s the result of years of grinding on dusty, unprepared tracks and inspiration drawn from none other than Rahul Dravid. As the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) gear up to face Kolkata Knight Riders on May 17, Patidar opened up about his journey and the influences that shaped him into one of the most feared players of spin in the IPL today.
Patidar, now leading the RCB side, has become synonymous with counterattacking spin play. His ability to manipulate the field and put pressure back on bowlers has turned him into a vital cog for Bengaluru, especially in the middle overs. But he insists there was no master plan—just a cricketing education born on challenging pitches.
“Most of my early club-level cricket was on unprepared wickets,” Rajat Patidar recalled on the RCB Podcast. “That meant learning to survive and score runs against spin from the get-go. I naturally adapted to playing the turning ball.”
ALSO READ: Mo Bobat Updates on Josh Hazlewood’s Fitness Amid IPL 2025 Resumption
He also shared a key chapter from his domestic journey. “Before my Ranji debut, we prepared turning pitches at home since we had three quality spinners. I used to practice sweep shots for two to three hours every day. On those square turners, it was a must if I wanted to score.”
But technique alone isn’t what makes Rajat Patidar stand out. His cricketing mind was also shaped by watching Rahul Dravid. “I watched a lot of his Test batting on spin-friendly tracks. His footwork, his use of the crease—it was art. I tried to learn from that and apply it to my own game.”
Patidar, who had been nursing a finger injury from RCB’s home clash against CSK, was recently seen hitting the nets, signalling a likely return for the high-stakes fixture against KKR.
ALSO READ: Mitchell Johnson Slams BCCI Over Forcing KKR’s Overseas Stars to Return for IPL Resumption
Under his leadership, RCB have found consistency and resilience. With key players stepping up and Patidar’s calm aggression at the helm, the franchise is firmly in contention for a top-two finish. His presence at the top is more than symbolic—he embodies the grit and adaptability that RCB have shown all season.
Saturday’s clash at the Chinnaswamy promises to be a cracker, with Patidar’s return setting the tone for a thrilling encounter.
