Rajat Patidar has a remarkable talent for leading teams to victory. After successfully captaining Central Zone to the Duleep Trophy and steering Royal Challengers Bengaluru to their first-ever IPL title this June, the talented middle-order batsman from Indore is now on the verge of achieving a truly rare feat: a hat-trick of titles with the Rest of India in the esteemed Irani Cup.
Speaking ahead of the crucial match against Ranji champions Vidarbha at Jamtha’s VCA Stadium, Patidar shared his philosophy: “What happened previously is history to me. My focus remains firmly on the present, ensuring I give my absolute best in every moment. That’s my driving principle.”
As a seasoned player in the Rest of India squad, Patidar clearly understands the profound importance of this competition. He emphasized, “Red-ball cricket must always be our top priority. Tournaments like the Irani Trophy and Duleep Trophy are vital platforms, offering players a direct path to represent India in Test cricket. Exceptional performances here can truly open doors to the national team. It’s crucial for the upcoming generation to recognize and uphold the immense value of traditional red-ball cricket.”
This commitment to red-ball cricket will undoubtedly be put to the test by Vidarbha, a team with a formidable reputation in the format. Patidar acknowledged the challenge: “This match promises to be incredibly demanding. Vidarbha is a fantastic team, and I’ve had the experience of playing alongside some of their players in the Duleep Trophy. I’m well aware of the high standard they bring. It certainly won’t be an easy game, but that’s precisely what makes it so thrilling.”
Regarding Vidarbha’s potential home advantage, Patidar remained pragmatic. “I don’t see it as either an advantage or a disadvantage,” he stated. “Our players have experience playing on various pitches across the country, so I don’t believe the home ground will be a significant factor.”
With a strong Rest of India squad featuring seasoned talents like Ruturaj Gaikwad, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Ishan Kishan, and Akash Deep, Patidar is optimistic that his impressive streak of captaincy triumphs will continue.