As IPL 2026 has begun, all eyes are back on Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) captain Rajat Patidar. The cricketer from Indore, brings calm leadership to the franchise. Leading Madhya Pradesh to the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy final sealed his credentials and RCB chose steady over stardom by choosing Rajat Patidar as its captain over Virat Kohli. But behind the man with a stellar performance on field, is a tight-knit family that fuels Rajat Patidar’s fire. Here’s a look at his grounded world:
From humble roots in Indore to RCB’s captain
Born in Indore to a business family in the timber trade, Rajat grew up balancing his studies and his love for cricket. His father Manohar Patidar is his rock; he pushed discipline amid academics. And following his heart, Rajat ditched engineering for being a professional cricketer.In IPL 2022’s mega auction, Rajat was left unsold– a moment of utter heartbreak. But when RCB called him as replacement for injured Lavaneth Sisodiya, it was a moment of opportunity for him. His blistering playoff century against Lucknow Super Giants (112* off 54) made people notice him. A modest ₹20 lakh buy in 2021 exploded to retention glory. And on February 13, 2025, RCB announced captaincy for him— the team trusted his dressing-room vibe over hype.From getting injured in 2023 which lead to him missing out on IPL to him making a come back in 2024, shows Rajat’s resilient rise to success.
Meet Rajat Patidar’s wife Gunjan Patidar : Love delayed by IPL dreams
Rajat’s personal life mirrors his patient batting—low-key, resilient. He married Gunjan Patidar from Ratlam, Madhya Pradesh, in a private ceremony after multiple postponements, as per reports.Being the private person that he is, news of his relationship broke when he shared engagement pictures on social media —teasing without spilling much information. Meanwhile, Gunjan, his anchor, prefers to stay off-radar amid IPL frenzy. No red-carpet poses; just quiet support through his captaincy pressures.
The family backbone
Rajat Patidar’s father Manohar Patidar’s timber empire taught grit—backing Rajat’s risky cricket pivot despite grades. Rajat had a humble childhood. His siblings and family too prefer to have a private life. Meanwhile, Rajat too avoids being in the spotlight: rare media chats, no Instagram floods with his posts.