Rajat Patidar’s journey to the brink of a Test debut for India is a tale of resilience, adaptability, and a deep-rooted passion for batting. Drafted into the Test squad as a replacement for Virat Kohli, Patidar’s rise has been marked by impressive performances and a steadfast approach to the game.
Hailing from Madhya Pradesh, Patidar has spent the majority of his first-class career batting at Nos. 3 and 4, amassing a remarkable record of 4000 runs in 93 innings at an average of 45.97. His red-ball prowess includes 12 centuries and 22 half-centuries over nine years of domestic cricket, earning him a reputation as a batsman tailor-made for challenging surfaces.
Chandrakant Pandit, the seasoned coach of Madhya Pradesh, has been a witness to Patidar’s growth. Known for his old-school coaching methods, Pandit was notably impressed by Patidar’s composure, stating that he simply let the batsman be, a testament to the player’s maturity.
However, Patidar’s journey has not been without setbacks. A significant Achilles injury in 2023, requiring surgery in London, left him sidelined and questioning whether he had missed his chance. Yet, he rebounded spectacularly, making his ODI debut in South Africa in December and delivering a stellar performance for India A against England Lions, scoring 151 off 158 balls.
What sets Patidar apart is not just his statistical achievements but his intrinsic connection with the art of batting. For him, it’s all about the “feel” – the right shots, balance, and head position. He emphasizes that when he senses this batting rhythm, runs naturally follow.
Patidar’s ability to bounce back from setbacks is another facet of his character. After going unsold in the IPL 2022 auction, he responded by starting the Ranji season with twin fifties on a challenging pitch against Gujarat. The shortened group stages due to the impact of Covid-19 made each innings crucial, and Patidar rose to the occasion, scoring 335 runs in four innings at an average of 83.75.
His flexibility and willingness to adapt were further evident when he received a call from Mike Hesson to join Royal Challengers Bangalore as an injury replacement. Patidar, in the middle of planning his wedding, swiftly postponed the ceremony and made an immediate impact in IPL 2022, becoming the first uncapped Indian to hit a century in a playoff game.
His IPL success seamlessly transitioned into the Ranji Trophy knockouts, where he scored 323 runs at 80.75, including a match-winning hundred in the final against Mumbai. This remarkable consistency earned him recognition as a big-match player.
Patidar’s journey from aspiring fast bowler to a prolific batsman showcases his ability to adapt. Forced to switch to offspin due to a lack of opportunities, he later turned to batting after an ACL injury. Working with Amay Khurasiya, the former India batter and MP captain, proved pivotal, and Patidar marked his first-class debut with a century against Baroda.
As India gears up for the Test series against England, Patidar, though likely to be on the sidelines initially, stands ready as a seasoned 30-year-old with a proven track record in high-pressure innings, particularly in spin-friendly conditions. With formidable competitors for the middle-order slots, including Shubman Gill, KL Rahul, and Shreyas Iyer, Patidar’s time may come, but when it does, India can rely on a batsman with the experience and composure to handle the toughest situations.
In conclusion, Rajat Patidar’s journey is a testament to his perseverance, adaptability, and a genuine love for the game. From overcoming injuries to delivering consistently in crucial matches, he has earned his place among India’s top cricketers and is poised to make a mark if given the opportunity in Test cricket.