I didn’t want to come on as a replacement – Rajat Patidar on his return to RCB

It is not easy being released by a franchise as popular as RCB. However, the beauty of cricket is that surprises can come in at any point in time.

In this regard, Rajat Patidar went through it all. From being released to being not picked at the auction and then finally making a comeback and a half, it has been a dream journey for the RCB captain.

Talking on RCB Podcast Bold and Beyond, Rajat Patidar said, “In 2022 there was a mega-auction. I wasn’t picked. When I played in 2021, the first half was in India and the second half was in Dubai, that was my first year, at that time. I played three or four matches, then I was told that I will be getting chances ahead. But then AB got injured and I couldn’t play the second half.”

He continued, “Then just after that there was a mega-auction, so I got a message to be ready as I was going to be picked. I was ready, I had little hope that I would get another chance. Then I wasn’t picked in the mega-auction. That made me sad because they said that they are going to pick me up and yet I wasn’t selected.”

Patidar further said, “I didn’t pay much attention to the same because it was not in my hands. It was uncontrollable. Then I started playing local matches in Indore. Then I got a call that I was being picked as a replacement for Luvnith Sisodia who was injured. He is a very good friend of mine. As his replacement, I got picked.”

Revealing his mindset on being picked as a replacement, Patidar said, “Being honest, I didn’t want to come on as a replacement. I knew that I won’t get a chance to play there straight away. I always wanted to play. I didn’t want to be on the bench.”

He also spilled the beans on what followed after not being picked for the mega-auction, stating, “When I didn’t get picked, I decided to get married. I have the time, so I will tie the knot. Then everything happened, slowly the situation changed. Then everyone told me that at least I should go. I can get married later as well. There were no local matches either when the IPL was on. Matches happened before the auction. Then I changed my mind. Okay it’s a matter of two months, I’ll go there. After that I will come and see what happens.”