Rajat Patidar Leads RCB to First-Ever IPL Title After Starting as Injury Replacement, Earns Kohli’s Praise
Injury Replacement to IPL-Winning Captain: Rajat Patidar’s Incredible Journey with RCB Earns Praise from Virat Kohli
Rajat Patidar’s rise in the Indian Premier League (IPL) is nothing short of a cinematic cricketing fairytale. From going unsold in the 2022 IPL auction to leading Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) to their maiden IPL title in 2025, the Madhya Pradesh batter’s journey is filled with resilience, composure, and unmatched determination. Patidar was brought into the RCB squad three years ago as an injury replacement for Luvnith Sisodia, a move that many initially saw as temporary. Having been released by the same franchise earlier, few could have predicted that Patidar would script one of the most inspirational comeback stories in the league’s history.
His breakthrough moment came in the 2022 playoffs when he smashed a match-winning century against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), a knock that not only secured his place in the team but also established him as a dependable middle-order batter. Ahead of the 2023 season, he was retained by RCB but had to miss the entire campaign due to an Achilles heel injury. Undeterred, Patidar made a strong return in IPL 2024, scoring 395 runs in 13 innings, showcasing consistency and maturity in his batting.
With the departure of former captain Faf du Plessis, the franchise entrusted Patidar with the leadership for the 2025 season. His elevation to captaincy was backed by none other than Virat Kohli, the former RCB captain and a stalwart of Indian cricket. Under Patidar’s leadership, RCB enjoyed a remarkable run, dominating the tournament and finishing in the top two during the league stage—a feat the team hadn’t achieved since 2016.
On Tuesday, history was made as RCB clinched their first-ever IPL title in 18 seasons, with Rajat Patidar at the helm. Following the emotional triumph, Virat Kohli, accompanied by AB de Villiers, entered the dressing room and delivered a powerful one-liner that perfectly summed up Patidar’s journey: “What a turnaround. Injury replacement to IPL-winning captain, bloody hell, that’s a turnaround.” The gesture that followed was equally touching, as Kohli gifted one of his personal bats to Patidar, who accepted it with a kiss on the willow, marking a symbolic transfer of legacy.
Kohli also lauded the entire team’s effort, highlighting how different players rose to the occasion at crucial moments. He praised Patidar’s calm demeanor and sharp captaincy, especially his smart bowling changes and his ability to remain composed under pressure. Kohli described Patidar as having a “balanced personality,” a trait that proved pivotal in RCB’s championship run. He also reserved high praise for wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma, calling him a “brilliant cricketing brain,” and pointed out his match-winning contribution during the most critical phase of the game.
Two players from Madhya Pradesh—Patidar and Sharma—formed the backbone of RCB’s victorious campaign. Kohli emphasized their hunger, confidence, and ability to rise to the occasion. The celebration extended to Bangalore’s own Mayank Agarwal, who also played a key role in the team’s triumph. Kohli acknowledged Mayank’s deep connection with the city and said, “You could wear that badge with pride of RCB. That thing can never go away from a Bangalore boy.” In a heartfelt response, Mayank said, “You’re playing for Bangalore for 18 years. I can tell you one thing: the city is yours as much as Bangalore is for anybody else. I’m sure you have an idea, but I think in the coming days you will really experience the love from this city as well.”
Rajat Patidar’s transformation from a backup player to a title-winning captain is a testament to grit, opportunity, and belief. His success story, backed by cricketing icons like Kohli and AB de Villiers, is now etched in RCB folklore and will serve as an inspiration for generations to come. For video news, visit our YouTube channel THE OLIGO.
