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Rajat Patidar made some shocking revelations after the conclusion of the IPL 2026 season. Patidar captained Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and won the title, breaking the 18-year-old tradition. In an honest confession, the RCB skipper says that he didn’t really want to join the franchise.
Over the years, RCB has signed many top talents in the IPL seasons. But no acquisition comes close to Rajat Patidar’s signature. But actually he did not want to join hands as the franchise wanted to use his talent only as a backup option.
Rajat Patidar joins RCB as replacement
Patidar joined the IPL franchise in the 2022 IPL season as a mid-season replacement for injured wicketkeeper Lavnith Sisodia. He was signed at his base price of Rs 20 lakh. Before and after securing his signing, the team management made it clear that he was only there as a replacement and not for any major role.
It was a disappointing situation for Rajat Patidar, as he wanted to join somewhere where he could play. At Royal Challengers Bangalore, this seemed far from his wish.
I never wanted to join RCB: Patidar
“No, it’s true. I never wanted to join the RCB team. Because I was feeling that they were calling me as a replacement. So, of course, they wouldn’t give me a chance to play. I got the same reaction when I joined. They clearly said that I have got a replacement,” Rajat Patidar said during a recent interaction.
“So relax, relax. You get a chance only if you are injured. To be honest, I didn’t want to join the team. The wedding date was also fixed. I also talked to many people in that situation. Because I was completely clear that I don’t want to join. I don’t want to sit on the bench and watch myself. I think if I’m going there, I’m going to play there. I don’t want to sit there. So, I won’t go. So, that’s my mentality. Was,” Patidar added. Explains.
To be honest, I did not want to join RCB – Rajat Patidar’s shocking statement
: I really didn’t want to rejoin RCB because I was told I was coming as a replacement and would get a chance only if someone got injured. My wedding date was already fixed, and I can’t see… pic.twitter.com/Bc3ys3Txzc
– Sam (@cricsam02) June 7, 2026
Despite the adverse conditions, Rajat Patidar proved himself to be more than a backup talent by scoring 333 runs in 7 innings at a batting average of 55.50 and a strike rate of 153.75.
He missed the entire next IPL season due to a serious heel injury. After a disappointing season in 2024, in a surprise move, the RCB team management promoted him as the team captain. After that, the Madhya Pradesh born player never looked back.
RCB created history under the leadership of Patidar
Under his leadership, Royal Challengers Bangalore won their first league title by defeating Punjab Kings in the IPL 2025 final. The following season, RCB played more confidently, more impressively.
From the beginning to the end of the season, Patidar-led Bengaluru successfully defended their hard-earned title and became one of the few teams in the league to have multiple titles.
Read more: “Non-selection is justified”: S Badrinath takes sharp dig at Rajat Patidar’s India snub
