Table of Contents
- Patidar Handed Full Captaincy After Breakout Season
- How IPL and Duleep Trophy Success Sealed the Deal
- MPCA’s Long-Term Plan Behind the Appointment
- Patidar’s Journey: From Domestic Grind to National Spotlight
- What’s Next for Patidar and Madhya Pradesh?
- Sources
Patidar Handed Full Captaincy After Breakout Season
In a move that signals a new era for Madhya Pradesh cricket, Rajat Patidar has been officially appointed captain across all three formats—First-Class, List A, and T20—by the Madhya Pradesh Cricket Association (MPCA). The decision comes on the heels of his explosive performances in the 2025 IPL and a match-winning century in the Duleep Trophy.
While Patidar has previously led MP in limited-overs games, this expanded role reflects the MPCA’s confidence in his leadership, temperament, and ability to inspire a young, dynamic squad.
How IPL and Duleep Trophy Success Sealed the Deal
Patidar’s 2025 season has been nothing short of spectacular. Representing Royal Challengers Bangalore in the IPL, he smashed 487 runs at a strike rate of 158, including two blistering centuries that reignited national selectors’ interest.
He carried that momentum into the Duleep Trophy, where he captained the Central Zone and scored a crucial 132 against South Zone—anchoring a tricky chase and showcasing tactical maturity behind the stumps and in the field.
“His calmness under pressure and ability to read the game stood out,” said a senior MPCA official. “We wanted someone who could bridge experience with aggression—and Rajat fits that perfectly.”
MPCA’s Long-Term Plan Behind the Appointment
The MPCA has been actively reshaping its leadership pipeline. With veterans like Venkatesh Iyer transitioning into specialist roles and younger talents like Aarush Bhaskaran and Kumar Kartikeya emerging, the board sought a steady hand at the helm.
Patidar, 31, brings both domestic pedigree—he led MP to their historic first Ranji Trophy title in 2022—and recent international exposure, having played 12 T20Is for India in 2023–24.
“This isn’t just about one season,” the MPCA added. “It’s about building a culture of accountability, resilience, and fearless cricket—and Rajat embodies that.”
Patidar’s Journey: From Domestic Grind to National Spotlight
Patidar’s rise has been anything but linear. After years of consistent performances in the Ranji Trophy, he finally got his IPL break in 2022. His 112* off 54 balls against Lucknow Super Giants that year became legendary—and earned him an India call-up.
Despite fluctuating in and out of the national setup, he never let his domestic standards slip. His stats for Madhya Pradesh speak volumes:
| Format | Matches | Runs | Average | Centuries |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| First-Class | 58 | 3,412 | 42.12 | 9 |
| List A | 47 | 1,893 | 48.54 | 5 |
| T20 | 62 | 1,756 | 36.58 | 2 |
What’s Next for Patidar and Madhya Pradesh?
Patidar’s first assignment as full-time captain will be the Vijay Hazare Trophy in November 2025, followed by the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 Tournament and the Ranji Trophy in December.
With India’s selectors closely watching domestic tournaments ahead of the 2026 tours to South Africa and England, Patidar’s leadership—and run-scoring—could once again put him in contention for a national comeback.
For Madhya Pradesh fans, it’s a moment of pride: their local hero, once written off as “too late to the party,” is now steering the ship in all formats.