In-form Rajat Patidar in focus ahead of 2nd India ‘A’-NZ ‘A’ one-dayer

Royal Challengers Bangalore in IPL eliminator against Lucknow Super Giants followed by an innings of 58 in Qualifier 2 against Rajasthan Royals made many take notice of his splendid timing and big match temperament. Subsequently, the 29-year-old from Indore switched to red-ball format for Madhya Pradesh with scores of 85 and 79 in the Ranji Trophy knockouts against Punjab and Bengal respectively. If that wasn’t enough, Rajat scored 122 and 30* in the Ranji final against Mumbai.

Rajat, in the three four-day games between India ‘A’ and New Zealand ‘A’, notched up two centuries - totaling 319 in four innings at 106.33. In the opening one-dayer for India ‘A’ against the Kiwis, Rajat top-scored with an unbeaten 41-ball 45. Rajat feels an uncluttered mind has been instrumental in him scoring runs across all formats.

“My strength lies in getting into good positions and timing the ball well. It’s important to realise the difference between red-ball and white-ball formats. You can’t go in with a fixed mindset.

Red-ball cricket needs more patience and you have to cut down on a few shots which isn’t the case in white-ball format. I have begun to understand the flow of the game,” said Rajat on the eve of the second India ‘A’-NZ ‘A’ one-dayer on Saturday. India ‘A’ skipper Sanju Samson will be banking on the in-form Rajat to continue his good vein of form in the two remaining games as well.

Rajat felt the presence of Chandrakant Pandit as Madhya Pradesh coach has done wonders to his game. “In recent times, I have been working with Pandit sir. He has given me inputs on how to have a clear mind and assess different formats of the game.