Rajat Patidar believes in destiny a bit after ODI recall for South Africa series. Patidar has been picked to India’s 16-man team for the three-match One-Day International series against South Africa.
Rajat Patidar, a talented right-handed hitter, has seen the highs and lows of the game in a very short period of time. Patidar was released by Royal Challengers Bangalore following a poor Indian Premier League performance in 2021. However, he was signed midway through the 2022 season as a substitute for the injured Luvnith Sisodia. In the Eliminator against Lucknow Super Giants, the Madhya Pradesh cricketer made his second chance count, scoring a stunning unbeaten 112 off 54 balls.
Patidar ended the season with an average of 55.50 and a strike rate of 152.75 and also did well in the Ranji Trophy. He earned his maiden call-up to the Indian ODI team for a home series against South Africa in October 2022. However, he did not get a game. Patidar suffered an Achilles heel injury that required surgery and he had to miss the 2023 edition of the IPL. After recovering from the injury and grinding it out in the domestic circuit. The 30-year-old has once again received a call-up to the Indian ODI team for the upcoming ODI series in South Africa.
“Ab thoda bahut believe karta hun destiny main (Now, I believe in destiny a little bit). ” He stated after helping Madhya Pradesh win a vital match in the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2023 at Mumbai’s Brabourne Stadium. “I try not to overthink what fate has written for me. ” I make an effort to stay in the current moment. “It feels great to be back in the India setup after the surgery,” he was quoted as saying by Hindustan Times.
Patidar stated that he believes he would hit a century in the IPL 2022 if he chooses the proper bowlers to attack.
“I had scored 52 against GT before the hundred (112* from 54 balls versus LSG). That’s when I realized I could be able to get a hundred in the IPL. That’s what I told our coach, Sanjay Bangar. I was leaving in the 12th inning. “I knew I could do it if I chose the bowlers more carefully,” he adds.
Also Visit: Wasim Akram frustrated with foreign coaches in Pakistan’s system
Before switching formats, I visualize and analyze shot choices a lot: Rajat Patidar
Patidar explained how he changes his game depending on the format. He stated that when elite players move formats, they make just minor tweaks.
“In a day match, I have to reduce my bat speed.” My natural game is rather offensive. However, I rely more on timing. I make an effort to understand my game and play appropriately. Before switching formats, I visualize and analyze shot choices extensively. One thing I’ve learned from watching good players is that consistent players seldom have to adjust their game too much in T20. Patidar remarked, “They back their cricketing shots and find a way to score.”
Patidar stated that he is still in discomfort, but that his doctor has stated that it would subside with time.
“It’s the body’s main tendon, and it takes a year and a half to heal completely. ” It’s been around 6-7 months. The doctor has assured me that I may play and that my heel will gradually adjust to the new ground conditions. There is some discomfort. But I had been playing with pain for three years before to surgery. So I know I can handle it,” he explained.
“It plays on your mind initially when you enter the crease before your body has warmed up; once it does, you don’t feel that much.” Patidar, who has already had an ACL tear, understands the value of perseverance on the road to recovery.
Patidar also commended Madhya Pradesh coach Chandrakant Pandit for assisting him in better understanding his game and taking it to new heights.
“He’s produced a slew of players over the years.” Do teen laddap-vappad khaake, kuch seekha hai unse. ( I learned a lot from his severe teaching methods). He assists you in upping your game. “From him, I learned how to think about the game in great detail, as well as how to think right off the field,” Patidar said.
Also Read: PCB grants BBL NOCs to Haris Rauf, Usama Mir, Zaman Khan
