Rajat Patidar’s international career did not progress the way he wanted but the Madhya Pradesh batsman is confident of getting another chance to wear the Indian team jersey through domestic matches. Earlier this year, against England, Patidar could score only 63 runs in six innings. However, this right-handed batsman has performed impressively in the initial phase of Ranji Trophy and the ongoing Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy T20.
Patidar said on Saturday on the eve of the final of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, “I felt good to make a place in the Test team. However, sometimes I feel bad that I could not capitalize on the opportunity. Sometimes things do not go your way.” “And that’s okay.”
Patidar has accepted his ‘failure’ and has left that disappointment behind. He said, “I think accepting things is the first step towards success. You have to accept that there will be failure in the cricket journey. So, it is important for me to face it and learn from it.” He said, “I have accepted it and I am moving forward. It is an important part of the game. I can create opportunities again.”
This 31 year old player has taken the first step by scoring consecutive runs in domestic tournaments. The Madhya Pradesh captain has scored 427 runs in five Ranji Trophy matches at an average of 53.37 with one century and one half-century. He is the third highest run scorer in the current season of Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy after Ajinkya Rahane (432) and Bihar’s Sakibul Ghani (353). He has scored 347 runs in nine matches at a strike rate of 182.63 with four half-centuries.
This right-handed batsman said that he has confidence in his skills to make a comeback. Patidar said, “I am focusing on relying on my strengths in batting and playing accordingly. I am just trying to find the same pattern that I did in the IPL.” He said, “My mantra is to play one ball at a time. I try to make an impact on the opponent for my team. I don’t try to make big scores. I never focus on that.”
Patidar also got a boost of confidence when Royal Challengers Bangalore retained him ahead of the IPL auction. He is in the race to lead the team after Faf Du Plessis was not bid in the auction. He said, “Being retained for RCB (being retained in the team before the auction) boosted my confidence. RCB is a big franchise and I love playing for RCB. If I get a chance to lead the team, I will be happy. Any decision in this regard depends on the franchise.”
However, Patidar faces the challenge of winning the title for the first time in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy final against Mumbai on Sunday. Madhya Pradesh team had won the Ranji Trophy title by defeating Mumbai by six wickets at the same venue two years ago. Patidar had scored 122 runs in this match.
