‘I believe in destiny a bit’ – Rajat Patidar opens up after receiving call-up for India’s tour of South Africa

The popular IPL franchise Royal Challengers Bangalore’s middle order batter Rajat Patidar recently got his maiden call for the Indian cricket team in the ODI squad for India’s tour of South Africa in 2022 and has again been selected for India’s tour of South Africa 2023-24. The Indian cricket board has selected 45 members for the three formats, Patidar being one of them credited it all to destiny. 

Patidar Recalled his stellar performance in the eliminator of the IPL 2022 as he scored a century to lead RCB towards the later stages of the playoffs. Patidar scored 112* off 54 balls vs LSG which gained massive recognition in the tournament. 

“Ab thoda bahut believe karta hun destiny main(Now, I believe in destiny a bit) I try not to think too much about what’s written in destiny. I try to stay in the present. It feels very good to get another chance with the India set up after the surgery,” Patidar told Hindustan Times. 

Rajat Patidar on how scoring a century for RCB impacted his career 

“Before the hundred (112* off 54 balls vs LSG), I had scored 52 against GT. That’s when I felt maybe I could score a hundred in IPL. I had said that to our coach Sanjay Bangar. I was getting out in the 12th over. I knew if I chose the bowlers more smartly, I would be able to do it,” said Rajat Patidar. 

“In a day match, I have to cut down on my bat speed. My natural game is slightly attacking. But I rely more on timing. I try to understand my game and play accordingly. Shot selection is something I visualise and analyse a lot before changing formats. From watching top players one thing I have learnt is that the consistent players never have to change their game too much in T20. They back their cricketing shots and find a way to score,” he added. 

“It’s the main tendon in the body and takes a year-and-a-half to heal completely. It’s been 6-7 months so far. The doctor has told me that I can play and the heel with slowly get used to the ground conditions. There is some pain. But I had played for three years with pain (before surgery). So, I know I can manage,” Rajat said. 

India ODI squad: Ruturaj Gaikwad, Sai Sudharsan, Tilak Varma, Rajat Patidar, Rinku Singh, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (C)(wk), Sanju Samson (wk), Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Mukesh Kumar, Avesh Khan, Arshdeep Singh, and Deepak Chahar