Rajat Patidar has a good head on his shoulder: Faf du Plessis

At 4/1, RCB were under the pump, Lucknow’s opening bowler Mohsin Khan struck to send the opposition skipper Faf du Plessis back to the hut. But a 28-year-old Rajat Patidar chose the day to make his own and left a stellar impression with a knock that could go down as one of the best knocks in IPL history. 

On a surface where other batters struggled, Patidar struck the ball sweetly, including taking on the likes of Krunal Pandya and Ravi Bishnoi with so much ease. The right-hander struck a century, off just 49 balls and ended up on 112 off just 54 deliveries. 

At the post-match presentation, RCB skipper du Plessis was in awe of the right-hander’s efforts, calling him as someone who has a good head on his shoulder. 

“Today was a special day. I am over the moon with the way Rajat played. In a match like today, it's a bit more pressure. The way he played and celebrated his hundred, tells me that he's got a good head on his shoulder. I thought our bowlers were clear and calm. Rajat has got all the shots and the way he attacks... Every time we are under a little bit of pressure, the way he comes and attacks,” du Plessis credited Patidar’s knock.

Faf also revealed his conversation with Harshal Patel, stating that it was the bowler who wanted the pressure of bowling the tough overs.  

“He (Harshal) is the joker in the pack, isn't he? He is a high-pressure time bowler and every single time I am under pressure I can go to him. He told me that I want the pressure over, which was one of my first conversations with him,” Faf added.

Player of the Match and perhaps the biggest reason why Bangalore find themselves in Qualifier 2, Patidar stated he was just looking to play his normal game. 

“I have been timing the ball and that was the focus, instead of powering the ball. In the last over of the powerplay, when I was facing Krunal Pandya, the way I could execute my plans, I felt I could score big today,” he stated. 

“My focus was about cashing in on the opportunity and looked to play with the straight bat and time it. I don't come under pressure even after facing dots because of the ability I know I have. I wasn't picked up in the auction but was involved in my practice and that helped.”

RCB now will face Rajasthan Royals in Qualifier 2 on Friday (May 27) in Ahmedabad, for a place in the final against Gujarat Titans.