As another exciting season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) kicks off, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) fans are buzzing with excitement and high hopes. The team will play in the season opener against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the Eden Gardens today (March 22). Naturally, all eyes will be on Virat Kohli, who clinched the Orange Cap last season. Another notable addition to team RCB is Phil Salt, who had a stunning season for KKR in IPL 2024.
However, according to former India opener and cricket commentator Aakash Chopra, it is not Kohli or Salt but RCB's newly appointed captain, Rajat Patidar, who will be the player to watch this season.
Aakash Chopra has predicted that Rajat Patidar will be the player to watch out for RCB this season. In a video on his YouTube channel, Chopra noted that despite the presence of batting heavyweights like Virat Kohli, Liam Livingstone, and Phil Salt, Patidar is likely to make a significant impact.
"Virat Kohli is there for sure, but then there is Liam Livingstone on one side and Phil Salt at the top. It seems like Jacob Bethell might play because he was practising a lot. So Rajat Patidar is the player to watch out for," Chopra said.
Aakash Chopra emphasised the crucial role Rajat will play in RCB's 2025 campaign, stating that his batting performance can "make or break" the season for the franchise.
"Rajat Patidar, the batter, you need to keep your eyes on him, as he can actually make or break this RCB season," the former opener added.
Chopra further highlighted the importance of Phil Salt in the upcoming match against KKR citing his impressive performance at Eden Gardens last season while playing for the defending champions.
"Phil Salt is returning home in a way as he garnered a lot of attention here only and then got a lot of money. KKR couldn't retain him, and RCB took him. He likes this ground," he said.
Rajat Patidar's childhood coach, Amay Khurasiya, recently praised the new RCB captain for his calm and composed demeanour, calling him the new "Captain Cool". Khurasiya, who currently coaches the Kerala team in the Ranji Trophy, shared with ESPNcricinfo that Patidar has always remained humble and grounded, never letting success or power go to his head.
"He had the same poise about him that I saw all those years ago. Even as a youngster, he'd always speak of wanting to help someone less privileged than him, even though his own journey had been rocky," Khurasiya said.
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