Patidar eyes a rare hat-trick of titles

Rajat Patidar has quietly developed a knack for lifting trophies as captain. Having led Central Zone to the Duleep Trophy triumph earlier this month, after guiding Royal Challengers Bengaluru to its maiden Indian Premier League title in June, the Indore middle-order batter now stands on the cusp of finishing a rare hat-trick — with the Rest of India within the Irani Cup.

“For me, what happened in the past is history,” Patidar mentioned on the eve of the sport in opposition to Ranji champion Vidarbha on the VCA Stadium in Jamtha. “It’s important to stay in the present and give my best. That’s what I focus on.”

Patidar, one of the senior-most gamers within the Rest of India outfit, was clear in regards to the significance of the competition. “The importance of red-ball cricket should always remain the first priority,” he harassed. “The Irani Trophy and Duleep Trophy give players an opportunity to represent India. If you perform here, you can get into the Test team. That’s why these tournaments are so important. I believe the next generation too should value red-ball cricket highly.”

Vidarbha, with a robust pedigree in red-ball cricket, will check that perception. “It’s going to be a challenging match,” Patidar admitted. “Vidarbha have been an excellent team and I’ve played with some of them in the Duleep Trophy. I know the quality they bring. It won’t be easy, but that’s what makes it exciting.”

On the chance of Vidarbha having fun with residence benefit, he was pragmatic. “I don’t look at it as an advantage or disadvantage. Our players have played across the country, on all kinds of pitches. That won’t be a major factor.”

With the Rest of India squad boasting skilled names reminiscent of Ruturaj Gaikwad, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Ishan Kishan and Akash Deep, Patidar will hope his golden run as captain continues.