'Spiked my confidence level, got to learn a lot from them' - Rajat Patidar recalls his time with Virat Kohli and AB De Villiers at RCB

Courtesy of his brilliant performance in the Indian Premier League and in the domestic circuit, Rajat Patidar has been called up to the national squad for the first first time in his career. Even though he is likely to make his ODI debut, the 29-year-old has revealed how nervous he was before talking to Shikhar Dhawan, India's captain for the South Africa series. 

The right-handed batter, however, revealed that the captain came and talked to him and also appreciated his performances thus far.

“This is the first time I’m meeting Shikhar Dhawan and will be playing under his leadership. I hesitated to speak to him but he only came to me and appreciated my performance,” said Rajat Patidar before the first game at Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow.

The cricketer has also recalled his time meeting the former India captain Virat Kohli and the legendary AB De Villiers for the first time in the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) camp. He also mentioned how the duo inspired him and boosted his confidence.

“Virat Kohli and ABD are the stalwarts of international cricket. I had no idea what to talk about with these guys. But they only came first and had a word with me… a great moment for me. That spiked my confidence levels. I got to learn a lot from them,” Patidar said.

I think I have the ability to play all three formats: Patidar

Playing for RCB, Patidar’s century against the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in IPL 2022 was one of the most memorable knocks in the history of the IPL. With his 49-ball century, the 29-year-old became the fastest centurion among uncapped players. His performance in the revent Ranji trophy was brilliant as well. Patidar was a part of the Madhya Pradesh team that won the Ranji Trophy. He chipped in with some instrumental performances that helped his side win the silverware.

“The IPL knock has given me a lot of confidence. But I think, there is a big difference between white-ball and red-ball cricket. But I think, I have the ability to play all three formats. So, I just try to focus on the process of red and white-ball formats differently. I don’t have any personal goals. I just want to stay in the present and play according to the situation. I do only what I can control,” said Patidar before India’s clash against South Africa.