"It all depends on the franchise" - RCB star ready to lead in IPL 2025 if given the opportunity
Royal Challengers Bengaluru's (RCB) batter Rajat Patidar has expressed his wish to lead the franchise in IPL 2025 if given the nod for the same. The 31-year-old, retained by the franchise ahead of the auction, also reflected on his struggles in Test cricket earlier this year during the home series against England.
Patidar made his IPL debut during the 2021 edition and got his breakthrough moment a year later. Batting at number three in the Eliminator clash against the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), the right-hander smacked an unbeaten 112 off 54 balls to propel RCB to a match-winning total of 207 in 20 overs.
Speaking to reporters on Saturday, here's what Patidar said, as quoted by India Today about leadership role in IPL
"Of course, if I get an opportunity to lead RCB, that is what I am there for, and I will be happy. But it all depends on the franchise."
With the Indore-born batter managing a high score of only 32 in six innings across his three Tests, Patidar said he regrets wasting those opportunities. However, the 31-year-old remains optimistic about getting the opportunity again.
"I enjoyed going to the Test team. But sometimes I feel bad that I missed the opportunity. But it's alright; sometimes things don't go your way. Acceptance is the key. You have to accept that there will be failure in the cricketing journey. So, it's important for me to face it and learn from it. I have just accepted it and I am moving forward. It's a part and parcel of the game. I can re-create the opportunity."
The right-hander has been in fiery form in the ongoing edition of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy for Madhya Pradesh. In eight innings, he has amassed 347 runs at 49.57, with his team set to play in the final.
RCB yet to win the IPL title
Meanwhile, RCB will be keen to win the IPL next year, having stumbled thrice in the final in 2009, 2011 and 2016. The 2024 edition saw the Bengaluru-based franchise finish fourth in the standings after losing to the Rajasthan Royals in the Eliminator.
Their most expensive player in the IPL 2025 auction was Josh Hazlewood, who fetched a bid of INR 12.50 crore.