IPL 2022: I can’t compare myself with them – Rajat Patidar on batting with Virat Kohli and Faf du Plessis

 

Royal Challengers Bangalore youngster Rajat Patidar has opined that he can’t compare himself with the likes of Virat Kohli and Faf du Plessis. Patidar has been a positive for RCB in the ongoing season as he has scored runs at a brisk pace while batting in the middle order.

The right-hander has scored 137 runs in four matches at an average of 34.25 and a decent strike rate of 135.64. In fact, Patidar made his IPL debut in the previous season but he could only score 71 runs in four matches at a strike rate of 117. However, he has looked more confident in his approach this season.

Patidar said it feels good to bat alongside great batters like Virat Kohli, Glenn Maxwell, and Faf du Plessis as they have all the experience under their belt and he is learning a lot from them.

Patidar said on RCB Match Day: “Feels good to bat with superstars like Kohli and Faf, who have been dominating international cricket. At the same time, I had to be focused on my own ability. I can’t compare myself to them, they have different kinds of abilities and mindsets. So, I was backing myself and was in my own zone.”

The Madhya Pradesh cricketer added that it feels good to contribute to the team’s success and he will look to continue the good show in the remaining matches.

“Feeling great with the way I am playing, placing, and timing the ball. It feels really good when you time the ball well and contribute to the team. I was just trying to keep things simple in my mind and in my practice sessions.”

Meanwhile, RCB has won seven matches out of the 12 games they have played. The Faf du Plessis-led team will face Punjab Kings at the Brabourne Stadium, Mumbai on Friday. If RCB goes on to win this game, they will all but confirm their berth in the playoffs.

RCB will want to tick the right boxes against Punjab and seal their place in the last four.