Rajat Patidar’s cricketing journey has taken an exciting turn. The talented batsman has been named Madhya Pradesh’s captain across all formats for the 2025-26 season, with the Ranji Trophy set to begin on October 15. It’s a well-deserved promotion for someone who’s been turning heads with both bat and leadership skills.
A Natural Progression
The 32-year-old isn’t new to captaincy. Last season, he got his first taste of leadership during the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, and he made it count. Under his guidance, MP reached the final, only to fall short against Mumbai. But that performance was enough to convince the selectors and Chandrakant Pandit, MP’s director of cricket, that Patidar was ready for bigger responsibilities.
What followed was nothing short of spectacular. Patidar led Royal Challengers Bengaluru to their first-ever IPL title, showcasing tactical awareness and composure when it mattered most. Then came the Duleep Trophy, where he captained Central Zone to their first championship since 2014-15. His century in the final wasn’t just a personal milestone—it laid the foundation for Central Zone’s six-wicket victory over South Zone.
Leading by Example
Patidar’s recent stint as captain of the Rest of India squad in the Irani Cup further highlighted his credentials. Managing a team that included established state captains like Ishan Kishan, Ruturaj Gaikwad, and Abhimanyu Easwaran is no easy task. Though RoI lost to Vidarbha by 93 runs, Patidar’s decision-making and ability to handle senior players earned widespread praise.
His batting form has been equally impressive. In the 2024-25 Ranji Trophy, he scored 529 runs in 11 innings at an average of 48.09, with one century and two fifties. This season has been even better—two centuries and three half-centuries in just seven innings. While Shubham Sharma, whom Patidar replaces as captain, topped the run charts last season with 943 runs, Patidar’s contributions have consistently come at crucial moments.
What Lies Ahead
The road ahead is demanding. MP begins their Ranji Trophy campaign against Punjab in Indore, with the first phase running from October 15 to November 19. After a break for white-ball cricket, action resumes from January 22, leading into the knockout stages in late February.
Cricket enthusiasts can follow Patidar’s captaincy journey closely through Spin24star, which offers comprehensive match coverage, detailed statistics, and expert analysis of domestic cricket. The platform has been tracking Patidar’s rise, providing fans with insights into his performances and leadership style.
The Bigger Picture
Patidar’s appointment speaks volumes about his evolution as a cricketer. From being a consistent performer for MP to winning an IPL title and multiple domestic trophies, he’s proven he can handle pressure and inspire those around him. Now, as captain across all formats, he faces the challenge of balancing personal performance with team strategy.
For Madhya Pradesh cricket, this is an exciting new chapter. With Patidar at the helm, the team has a leader who understands what it takes to win big tournaments. As the season unfolds, fans using platforms like Spin24star will have front-row seats to watch how this talented cricketer shapes MP’s campaign.
The stage is set, and Patidar is ready. If his recent track record is any indication, Madhya Pradesh cricket is in capable hands.
