Rajat Patidar, the emerging batsman, marked his ODI initiation for Team India during the thrilling IND vs SA 3rd ODI in Paarl on Thursday, December 21.
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Rajat Patidar’s ODI Debut and IPL Incentive Program
In this remarkable milestone for the 30-year-old cricketer, he secured a unique distinction as the inaugural beneficiary of the IPL’s innovative incentive program for uncapped players.
Anticipated to be officially revealed by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), the upcoming plan is designed to acknowledge and reward Indian players who make their international debuts during the intervals between IPL seasons.
Typically, a player selected at the IPL auction is bound by a fixed league fee for a duration of three years or until the franchise releases them under normal circumstances. However, a noteworthy exception exists for uncapped players, as their fee has the potential to escalate if they are acquired for a minimum amount of Rs 50 lakh.
Revolutionizing IPL Contracts: The Unique Rule Benefiting Uncapped Players
Under the new rule, if an uncapped player participates in 10 international games between two IPL seasons, there is a possibility of their fee doubling.
Rajat Patidar is poised to benefit from this regulation. Despite being initially signed for INR 20 lakh by RCB at the auction, his international debut between two IPL seasons automatically triggers an upgrade in his contract fee to INR 50 lakh.
During the IND vs SA 3rd ODI, Patidar showcased his skills with a brisk 16-ball 22 while opening the batting, only to be dismissed by Proteas pacer Nandre Burger.
Rajat Patidar exhibited a delightful stroke as he sent the ball towards the point region off Lizaad Williams, marking his inaugural boundary on his ODI debut against South Africa. The 30-year-old, entrusted with opening the Indian innings in the third ODI of the three-match series, partnered with the young Sai Sudharsan at the other end to kickstart the innings.
Having weathered the initial deliveries of the match, Patidar quickly made his mark by accumulating his first set of international runs in the second over.
What a shot from #RajatPatidar for his 1st ODI boundary!
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) December 21, 2023
Another fearless debutant shows supreme confidence 👏
Tune-in to the 3rd #SAvIND ODI
LIVE NOW | Star Sports Network#Cricket pic.twitter.com/CdtklTD9bs
In a spectacular display, India’s ODI debutant Rajat Patidar confidently dispatched Lizaad Williams for two consecutive boundaries in the latter’s opening over. Additionally, he showcased his power-hitting prowess by smashing a massive six over midwicket off Nandre Burger later in the innings.
Rajat Patidar’s Cricket Odyssey: From List A to IPL Retention
Patidar initiated his List A journey with Madhya Pradesh during the 2015 Vijay Hazare Trophy season. Over the years, the right-handed batsman accumulated valuable experience, participating in 57 List A matches across various levels before earning his maiden ODI cap during India’s challenging all-format tour of South Africa in 2023.
Notably, Patidar’s skills have also secured him a spot in the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) franchise for the upcoming IPL 2024 season. In a testament to his capabilities, he has been retained alongside esteemed players such as Virat Kohli, Faf du Plessis, Mohammed Siraj, and Glenn Maxwell, showcasing the team’s confidence in his contribution to their campaign.
Rajat Patidar showcased his batting prowess as the leading run-scorer for Madhya Pradesh during the 2018–19 Ranji Trophy season, amassing an impressive 713 runs in eight matches. His consistent performances earned him a spot in the India Blue team’s squad for the 2019–20 Duleep Trophy.
In the IPL auction held in February 2021, Patidar was acquired by the Royal Challengers Bangalore for the 2021 Indian Premier League season. However, his stint saw him scoring 71 runs in the four games played. Subsequently, ahead of the 2022 Indian Premier League, he was released by the franchise.
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