Rajat Patidar is an Indian top-order batter and the title-winning captain of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). He made his international debut for India in an ODI against South Africa in 2023, followed by his Test debut against England in 2024. In the domestic circuit, he played a crucial role in Madhya Pradesh's 2022 Ranji Trophy victory by scoring a century in the final. Patidar etched his name in Indian Premier League (IPL) history during the 2022 Eliminator by scoring 112 not out off 54 balls against the Lucknow Super Giants. Reaching his hundred in just 49 balls, he became the first uncapped player to register a century in the IPL playoffs. Following a strong 2024 campaign where he scored 395 runs at a strike rate of 177.13, RCB retained him for ₹11 Crore and appointed him as the new franchise captain ahead of the 2025 season. Under his leadership, RCB ended an 18-year title drought by defeating the Punjab Kings to win the 2025 IPL championship. Across his 42-match IPL career, Patidar has accumulated 1,111 runs at an overall strike rate of 154.31, including one century and nine half-centuries. Acknowledging his successful captaincy and consistent top-order production, the franchise officially retained him ahead of the 2026 season.