April 8, 2025: Rajat Patidar, the captain of Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), has been fined after his team was found guilty of maintaining a slow over-rate during their IPL 2025 Match 21 encounter against Mumbai Indians (MI) at the Wankhede Stadium. According to an IPL Media Advisory, as this was RCB’s first offence of the season under Article 2.2 of the IPL Code of Conduct, Patidar has been fined INR 12 lakh.
Despite the fine, Patidar has been a revelation for RCB in the current season, leading the team with authority and consistency. Under his leadership, RCB has managed to win three of their first four matches. His leadership and batting have been key factors in RCB’s strong start to the season, with the team securing victories against formidable opponents like Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), Chennai Super Kings (CSK), and Mumbai Indians (MI)—all on their home turf.
Patidar has scored 161 runs in the four matches so far, including two half-centuries. His composed approach at the crease has provided much-needed stability to the RCB lineup. While the season is still young, early indications suggest that Patidar could guide RCB to a successful and promising chapter in the franchise’s journey.