As the IPL 2025 season kicks off today, Rajat Patidar has taken the cricketing world by storm after being named the new captain of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). With the opener against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) just hours away, here’s an in-depth look at the man leading RCB into a new era.
Rajat Patidar Background
Rajat Manohar Patidar was born on June 1, 1993, in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, into a middle-class family with a business background. His father, Manohar Patidar, runs a company manufacturing irrigation pipes, while his early life revolved around balancing family expectations and his passion for cricket.
Introduced to the sport at age 8 by his grandfather, who enrolled him in a local cricket academy, Rajat started as a bowler before transitioning to batting after his U-15 days—a decision that shaped his future.
Rajat Patidar Education
Rajat completed his primary and secondary education at New Digamber Public School in Indore, a city known for nurturing talent. He later graduated from Guru Vashishtha College in Dewas, Madhya Pradesh. Despite pressure to join the family business, his focus on cricket never wavered, and he pursued the sport full-time after his studies, honing his skills in local leagues.
Rajat Patidar Cricket Career
Patidar’s professional journey began with his first-class debut for Madhya Pradesh on October 30, 2015, in the Ranji Trophy, where he scored a century in his second match.
His T20 debut came in 2018 during the Zonal T20 League, and he quickly rose through the ranks. Joining RCB in 2021, he made waves in IPL 2022 as a replacement player, scoring 333 runs in 8 matches.
His international debut arrived in December 2023 against South Africa (ODI), followed by a Test debut against England in 2024. As of 2025, he’s a key middle-order batsman and RCB’s new captain.
Rajat Patidar Achievements
Patidar’s trophy cabinet boasts impressive feats. He was the leading run-scorer for Madhya Pradesh in the 2018-19 Ranji Trophy (713 runs) and played a pivotal role in their 2022 Ranji Trophy win with a century in the final.
His IPL highlight remains the unbeaten 112 off 54 balls in the 2022 Eliminator against Lucknow Super Giants—the first century by an uncapped player in IPL playoffs. In 2024, he earned a BCCI Grade C contract, a milestone for a Madhya Pradesh cricketer.
Rajat Patidar Salary in Latest IPL
For IPL 2025, RCB retained Patidar at INR 11 crore, a massive jump from his initial base price of INR 20 lakh in 2021, reflecting his growing stature.
This hefty paycheck aligns with his new captaincy role and consistent performances, such as his 395 runs in IPL 2024 at a strike rate of 177.13. Additionally, his BCCI Grade C contract guarantees him INR 1 crore annually.
Rajat Patidar Net Worth
As of 2025, Rajat Patidar’s net worth is estimated at INR 25-30 crore (approximately $3-3.5 million USD). This includes his IPL earnings, BCCI contract, and brand endorsements with companies like Sareen Sports.
Despite his wealth, he maintains a modest lifestyle, driving a Hyundai i20 and living with his family in Indore.
Rajat Patidar Family
Rajat comes from a supportive family. His father, Manohar Patidar, a businessman, initially urged him to join the family trade but later backed his cricketing dreams. His mother’s details remain private, but he has an elder sister, Aarti Patidar, and a brother whose name isn’t widely known.
Rajat married Gunjan Patidar on July 7, 2022, in Indore, delaying the wedding from May to focus on IPL 2022—an event that skyrocketed his career.
Rajat Patidar Personal Life
Off the field, Rajat is known for his simplicity and dedication. A fitness enthusiast, he follows a strict diet and workout regimen. He idolizes Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers, influences evident in his aggressive batting style.
In his downtime, he enjoys traveling and exploring new cuisines, keeping his personal life low-key despite his rising fame.
Rajat Patidar IPL 2025 Role
As RCB’s captain, Patidar is expected to bat at No. 3 or 4, following openers like Virat Kohli. His leadership will be tested tonight against KKR, with fans eager to see if he can leverage stars like Liam Livingstone and Phil Salt to end RCB’s 18-year title drought.
His recent form in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2024 (428 runs in 9 games) adds to the excitement.
Rajat Patidar Future Prospects
With a Test average needing improvement (63 runs in 6 innings in 2024), Patidar’s IPL 2025 performance could pave the way for a stronger international comeback. Experts see him as a potential long-term leader for RCB and a future India mainstay, especially in white-ball formats.
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