Rajat Patidar makes case for Test comeback after dream run in Duleep Trophy

Captaincy hasn't bogged Rajat Patidar down. He won IPL 2025 with RCB and is now on verge of winning Duleep Trophy with Central Zone.

Following the Test retirements of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, the Indian batting unit is in for a reset. The two-month-long Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy was heartening to see under the leadership of Shubman Gill with different players stepping up. However, there are multiple batting slots, particularly number three and six, that are still not certain. While the talks of Shreyas Iyer, Sai Sudharsan, Karun Nair and Sarfaraz Khan are recurring, another player has banged the doors of a possible Test comeback. Rajat Patidar has slammed a ton in the Duleep Trophy final, continuing his dream run as a captain.

Duleep Trophy Final century for Rajat Patidar

In the Duleep Trophy 2025 final, Central Zone captain Rajat Patidar rose to the occasion with a commanding century (101 off 115 balls) against South Zone. Walking in at 74 for 2, Patidar anchored the innings, stitching a 153-run partnership with Yash Rathod that wrestled momentum in Central’s favour.

Patidar batted in his usual way, a free-flowing knock that put the South Zone bowlers under pressure. After taking some time to notch up his fifty, Patidar went all guns blazing afterwards. He took just 39 balls to convert his fifty into a triple-figure mark. He slammed 12 fours and two sixes, including an exquisite upper cut to Gurjapneet Singh, who ultimately got him out via caught behind.

Patidar’s dream run

This was Patidar’s second century in the tournament and his fourth consecutive 50-plus score. Talk about consistency. His earlier 125 in the quarter-final against North Zone was a masterclass, built at a strike rate of 130.20, while his 77 in the semi-final against West Zone came against a high-quality bowling attack. In total, Patidar has piled up 369 runs in four innings, easily the standout performer of the tournament.

What’s more, his leadership has been equally impactful. From field placements to bowling rotations, Patidar has led with authority. Mind you, he wasn’t selected as the captain of the Central Zone initially, as the BCCI selectors chose Dhruv Jurel. However, due to Jurel being injured, Patidar got the opportunity to lead.

Test comeback soon for RCB captain?

Rajat Patidar got his maiden Test debut in a home series against England in 2024. However, he batted unlike himself and was diffident. The big occasion got big on Patidar as he endured a tough series, scoring just 63 runs in six outings. An ankle injury sidelined him afterwards. However, he has batted phenomenally in the format. In 71 first-class matches, he has amassed 5,107 runs at an average above 44, including 15 centuries and 26 fifties, with a highest score of 196.

His premature exit seemed to have shut the door, but the current vacuum in India’s middle order has reopened the conversation. With Kohli and Rohit gone, selectors are actively searching for batters who combine solidity with intent. Sai Sudharsan and Karun Nair have been tested but not yet convinced, while Sarfaraz Khan remains in contention with his weight of runs. Amidst this, Patidar’s form is timely. His ability to counter spin, score quickly when required, and hold an innings together makes him an attractive prospect in subcontinental conditions.

Rajat Patidar at Duleep Trophy 2025

• Runs Scored: 369
• Innings Played: 4
• Average: 92.25
• Strike Rate: 100.54