Rajat Patidar turned out to be the star performer for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the Eliminator of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and scored an unbeaten 112 off 54. Following the early wicket of Faf du Plessis, the fans had their hopes pinned on Virat Kohli to deliver in the must-win tie.
Rajat stepped up after the early wicket and added 66 runs for the 2nd wicket with Kohli. The former RCB captain played the second fiddle and was dismissed for 25 off 24. Rajat kept the scoreboard ticking and his knock saw RCB finish at 207/4.
The total turned out to be a match-winning one and RCB registered a 14-run win to make it to the 2nd qualifier of the tournament. Rajat, who had made his IPL debut for RCB in 2021, wasn’t part of the original squad this year.
After being released by RCB, the batsman went unsold in the IPL 2022 mega auction. He was called up to RCB’s camp in the middle of the season as Luvnith Sisodia’s replacement. After being on the bench for some matches, Rajat proved his worth and has been a regular in RCB’s playing XI.
Since he was set to miss IPL 2022 after going unsold, Rajat was to get married on May 9. RCB’s late call-up saw a change in plans, Rajat’s father has revealed in an interview.
“The plan was to get him married on May 9. It was supposed to be a small function and I had booked a hotel too in Indore,” Manohar Patidar, Rajat’s father, was quoted as saying by The New Indian Express.
“The marriage was not supposed to be a grand affair, so we didn’t get invitation cards printed. I have booked a hotel for limited guests but the booking has been advanced as we plan to hold the function in July once he is free from his responsibility with the Madhya Pradesh Ranji team.”
After his success in the eliminator, Rajat has hogged much limelight and will have the onus to deliver the results in the 2nd qualifier. With an aim to punch their ticket to their first final since 2016, RCB will square off against Rajasthan Royals on Friday (May 27).
