IPL 2025: Rajat Patidar Shines with Historic Batting Stats Despite RCB Defeat

Rajat Patidar marked a major career milestone during Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s clash against Punjab Kings in the IPL 2025 season, becoming one of the fastest Indian batters to cross 1000 runs in the league. He accomplished this feat in just 30 innings, making him the second-fastest Indian to do so—just behind Sai Sudharsan of Gujarat Titans, who reached the landmark in 25 innings.

Patidar's achievement puts him ahead of cricketing legends like Sachin Tendulkar and Ruturaj Gaikwad, both of whom took 31 innings to hit the 1000-run mark. Tilak Varma of Mumbai Indians follows with 33 innings to his name.

What truly sets Patidar apart is his exceptional combination of consistency and explosiveness. He is the first Indian player in IPL history to reach 1000 runs with an average above 35 and a strike rate exceeding 150—a rare blend that emphasizes his value in T20 cricket, especially under pressure.

Despite Patidar’s record, the match didn’t end in RCB’s favor. In a rain-affected game shortened to 14 overs per side, RCB managed only 95 for 9, thanks largely to a fighting 50 off 26 balls from Tim David.

In their chase, Punjab Kings cruised to a five-wicket victory in just 12.1 overs. Nehal Wadhera made a quick-fire 33 off 19 balls, while Josh Hazlewood’s disciplined spell of 3 for 14 couldn’t stop PBKS from securing the win.

RCB’s innings was disrupted by regular wicket losses, with Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal, and Marco Jansen doing most of the damage for the visitors. The loss added to RCB's challenges this season, but Patidar’s performance remains a silver lining and a hopeful sign for the team going forward.