The announcement of Rajat Patidar as the brand new captain of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) season has sparked a whirlwind of reactions from followers and cricket pundits alike. Whereas some have welcomed the choice, others have expressed skepticism, with former CSK star main the cost of critics. Because the cricketing world debates the deserves of this determination, one factor is evident: the ‘RaPa’ period has begun, and it guarantees to be something however uninteresting.
Expectation vs Actuality: A delicate jab from CSK legend
Former CSK batter Subramaniam Badrinath took to social media to specific his ideas on RCB’s determination, posting a easy but pointed “Expectation vs Actuality” tweet. Whereas the put up didn’t explicitly identify Rajat Patidar in a detrimental connotation, the timing and context left little to the creativeness. Badrinath’s dig has added gasoline to the continued debate about whether or not Patidar is the proper selection to guide a franchise as high-profile as RCB. Critics argue that Patidar lacks the expertise of main an IPL group, whereas supporters level to his spectacular home file as proof of his management potential.
Expectation : Virat Actuality : Patidar
What are your ideas #RCB followers ? #IPL2025
— S.Badrinath (@s_badrinath) February 13, 2025
A glimpse into Rajat Patidar’s management credentials
Patidar isn’t any stranger to management roles. The 31-year-old has beforehand captained Madhya Pradesh in each the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and the Vijay Hazare Trophy. Below his management, Madhya Pradesh reached the ultimate of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy final yr, the place they narrowly misplaced to Mumbai by 5 wickets. Patidar’s particular person efficiency within the event was nothing in need of stellar. He completed because the second-highest run-scorer, amassing 428 runs from 10 matches at a mean of 61 and a strike charge of 186.08. These numbers not solely spotlight his batting prowess but additionally his capability to carry out beneath stress—a trait that might be essential in his new function as RCB captain.
Additionally READ: 3 the explanation why Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) can win IPL 2025 beneath Rajat Patidar’s captaincy
Fan reactions: Divided but hopeful
The RCB fanbase, identified for its passionate and vocal assist, has been cut up in its response to Patidar’s appointment. Whereas some followers have expressed considerations about his lack of IPL captaincy expertise, others have embraced the choice, hailing it as the beginning of the ‘RaPa’ period. Social media has been abuzz with hashtags like #RaPaEra and #PatidarForCaptain, as followers rally behind their new chief. Many imagine that Patidar’s calm manner and confirmed monitor file in home cricket make him the best candidate to guide RCB to their elusive first IPL title.
“RaPa” is our new Captain RCBians
New period begins
#Rcbcaptain #RajatPatidar #rcb #ViratKohli #VD12 #VD12Teaser #VijayDevarakonda #KingdomTeaser pic.twitter.com/rLscTIYJTB
— Mahi Maharaaj (@SaiVenkat113) February 13, 2025
Chahe 100 Captains badlo RCB walo par on the finish rehna Trophyless hello hai
#RajatPatidar #ViratKohli #Rcbcaptain #IPL2025 pic.twitter.com/6PmMGAUnXv
— Shreyash
(@Shreyash0417) February 13, 2025
Patidar’s appointment comes at a vital juncture for RCB. The franchise has lengthy been criticized for its incapability to transform potential into trophies, and the stress to ship might be immense. Nevertheless, Patidar’s management type, characterised by his capability to guide from the entrance and encourage his teammates, could possibly be the catalyst RCB wants to show their fortunes round. As the brand new season approaches, all eyes might be on Patidar to see if he can rise to the event and silence his critics.
Additionally READ: IPL 2025: Why Rajat Patidar was chosen as RCB Captain? Andy Flower highlights 3 key qualities
