Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) appointed Rajat Patidar as their new captain for the coming edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL), and the team’s former captain and batting legend Virat Kohli backed the decision to the hilt — said the RCB team director, Mo Babat.
“(Head coach) Andy (Flower) and I spent some time with Virat earlier this week, actually, in Ahmedabad (during the 3rd ODI against England). What was so obvious was he had so much energy and excitement for this decision. He’s so pleased for Rajat,” said Babat.
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“Like us, he knows how deserving Rajat is of this opportunity. He’s right behind him and we saw a real sense of energy and excitement from him. It’s brilliant to know that Virat’s on board and he’s right behind him. We’re all certain Rajat’s in safe hands with Virat right next to him.”
Like MS Dhoni mentored the new Chennai Super Kings’ captain Ruturaj Gaikwad in the last IPL season, Bobat believes Kohli is there to help Patidar grow as a leader.
“He (Kohli) is an example. Andy and I lean on him quite a lot…We’re pretty sure that Rajat will also be leaning on him too,” he said.
PATIDAR’S QUALITIES AS A LEADER
Patidar’s calmness on the field, which he displayed while leading Madhya Pradesh in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, added conviction to RCB management’s choice of the team’s new captain.
“I spent some time talking to Rajat about his captaincy aspirations. And what struck us was that he was very determined and ambitious about leadership and captaincy. He really wanted to do this,” said Babat.
“There’s a calmness and a simplicity to Rajat that I think will stand him in really good stead as a leader and a captain, particularly in the IPL. We watched Rajat very closely as he captained Madhya Pradesh in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, and we really liked what we saw around those qualities.
“Secondly, he cares about the people around him. He cares about the people that he plays with, that he shares a dressing room with; and I think that’s a quality that means that he will instantly have the respect and care from other people,” he added.
Flower liked the “steeliness” in Patidar’s character.
“He’s got a stubbornness and strength and steeliness about him. One of the traits I love most about him is (that) he’s very brave under pressure; and in those moments where the game’s on the line, it’s typically been Rajat throwing a few punches for us,” said the coach.
