In a spectacular opening act to the Duleep Trophy 2025 quarter-final against North East Zone, Central Zone captain Rajat Patidar delivered a display of aggressive, Bazball-inspired batting that left fans and critics in awe. Leading the charge at the BCCI Centre of Excellence Ground in Bengaluru, Patidar ripped apart the attack with a scorching 125 off just 96 balls, encompassing 21 fours and 3 sixes—a knock built on sheer power and intent.
A Century to Remember
Patidar’s century came off about 80 balls, demonstrating his intent from the outset. His assault included a flurry of boundaries, leaving the fielding side reeling— a quintessential showcase of Bazball’s fearless, red-ball aggression.
Context and Impact
- Leadership with flair: Patidar took over the captaincy after Dhruv Jurel was sidelined due to injury. In return, he led with not just words, but explosive batting.
- Destructive cooperation: His blitz was part of a punishing 199-run partnership with Vidarbha star Danish Malewar, propelling Central Zone to 432/2 in 77 overs before rain brought an abrupt halt to play.
- Malewar’s equally compelling innings: Malewar anchored the proceedings with a marathon 198 off 219 balls*, just two short of a double hundred and marking a record for the highest individual score by a Vidarbha batter in the tournament.
What Does It Mean for Patidar?
- Back in the conversation: Absent from India’s Test setup since the tour of England, Patidar’s explosive return strengthens his case for national selection. His return to form couldn’t have been more emphatic.
- A new voice in red-ball cricket: Known more for his white-ball prowess and IPL exploits, this knock signals that the red-ball Rajat is alive and devastating.
- Bazball vibes: The tone of his innings—attacking, fearless, and fun—echoes the Bazball philosophy, injecting a jolt into the traditional, often conservative, domestic red-ball scene.
Rajat Patidar’s 125 off 96 deliveries, studded with 21 fours and 3 sixes, was a statement innings—bold, unapologetic, and beautifully aggressive. Alongside Danish Malewar’s marathon 198*, it helped Central Zone seize complete dominance in the first day of the quarter-final. His resurgence not only reflects personal brilliance but also promises exciting possibilities for Indian red-ball cricket.
