The many dimensions of Rajat Patidar at No. 4

Batting at No. 4 in T20 cricket is a role defined by volatility. You could walk in at 0/2 inside the first over and be tasked with rebuilding or arrive at 150/2 in the 15th and be expected to launch immediately into top gear. Few manage to straddle both demands as seamlessly as Rajat Patidar, who has emerged as one of the most complete No. 4 batters in the IPL in recent seasons. Yesterday's innings was another compelling exhibit of that versatility.

Patidar first built his reputation as an elite hitter of spin and that skill has only sharpened with time. Since IPL 2022, he has struck at 175.24 against spin while averaging 60.55. Among batters with 200+ balls faced against spin, only Abhishek Sharma and Heinrich Klaasen score quicker. Crucially, he maintains the rare combination of a 35+ average and 140+ strike rate against all three primary spin types. What sets him apart further is his dominance as a right-hander against left-arm orthodox and leg spinners, striking at 192.72 combined—the highest among right-handers (minimum 100 balls) in this period.

While seam has posed relatively more questions, Patidar's returns remain robust. He strikes at 152.39 against pace, placing him among a select group of seven batters who maintain a 150-plus strike rate against both spin and seam (minimum 200 balls). Against hard lengths, often the litmus test of middle-order adaptability, he averages 32.37 at a strike rate of 146.32.

This innings, however, was less about his strengths and more about his adaptability under duress. Royal Challengers Bengaluru's success since last season has been underpinned by clearly defined roles, but this was a rare disruption. Losing three wickets in the Powerplay, including Virat Kohli and Phil Salt, and then further blows in the 7th, 9th, and 11th overs, left Patidar in a rebuilding scenario.

His start reflected that context: 18 off his first 20 balls, his slowest such phase since 2022. At 27 off 26, when Romario Shepherd fell with RCB at 125/7, the situation demanded recalibration. What followed was a precise gear shift. Recognizing the need for a par-plus total, Patidar accelerated sharply. He targeted Nandre Burger first and followed it up against Ravi Bishnoi, the best bowler of the night, in the latter's last over. His final 14 balls yielded 36 runs, propelling RCB to 201—a total that looked improbable at 94/6 after 11 overs.

Across the season, Patidar has already showcased multiple facets: early acceleration to boost net run rate against SRH, middle-overs impetus against CSK, and now, recovery and late surge from a collapse. It showcased Patidar's temperament and range required to master the No. 4 role.