Just 8 games into the 2024 Indian Premier League season, I was also in Bangalore, steering down the barrel of a disastrous season. Seven defeats left them languishing at the bottom of the table, with their playoff hopes seemingly lost. But then came the turn-around.
Fast forward to today, and Royal Challengers Bangalore have won a stunning five matches on the trot, bringing life back into their campaign. Leading this resurgence has been the informed Rajat Patidar, whose 320 runs at a strike rate of nearly 180, including five half centuries, have made him an essential player in the batting order of Bengaluru.
In an exclusive interview, Patidar reflected on the remarkable comeback of his team, his transition to the middle order, and the invaluable lessons learned from batting Maestro Virat Kohli.
Patidar admits, while acknowledging the initial struggles, that obviously it was a tough time for all of us. We spoke about playing with pride, and the support from the franchise and each other within the team never faded. That positive environment was necessary in building the momentum for our fight back.
He also credits the bowlers for stepping up during the crucial phase. He said, “There has been a shift in mindset that picking up wickets, especially during the powerplay, is necessary in T20s. While they were always trying, the execution might not have been there initially, but they have kept working hard, and now they have found their rhythm. This instilled a belief in the entire team that we could turn things around.”
With a shift in the batting position, Patidar has had to adjust his approach. “My role is different this season. While I am a top-order batsman who enjoys facing fast bowlers, I have embraced the challenge of batting in the middle order. It requires a quicker transition and the ability to hit big shots immediately. There is no time to settle in like a top-order batsman can.”
Patidar, while highlighting the impact of his senior teammate, said, “Virat Bhai is a huge inspiration, and I always try to catch all his net sessions. His dedication and work ethic are unmatched. In a high-pressure tournament like the IPL, you need to believe you are the best. Virat Bhai has that confidence, and it is something I am constantly working on.”
