Madhya Pradesh (MP) will finally welcome their skipper and reigning IPL-winning captain from Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), Rajat Patidar, ahead of the third round of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) 2025-26. MP began their campaign with a loss against Hyderabad in Kolkata, but Patidar’s return brings a massive boost to their white-ball setup.
In the second round, MP are scheduled to face Bihar in another group-stage clash in Kolkata. According to an ESPNcricinfo report, Patidar has been recovering from a left-knee niggle and has now been cleared to play by the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence. After completing a 10-day rehabilitation programme, the 32-year-old will join the squad on Friday but will only be available for selection from November 30 (Sunday) onward.
Having kickstarted his Ranji season with a century against Punjab, Patidar has shown impressive form this year with two hundreds and two fifties. He also led Central Zone to the Duleep Trophy 2025 title, further strengthening his credentials as an all-format leader for Madhya Pradesh.
This SMAT season will mark Patidar’s first white-ball appearance since the end of IPL 2025, making his return highly anticipated for fans and the MP dressing room alike.
When MP reached the SMAT final last season, Patidar played a pivotal role by finishing as the second-highest run-scorer of the tournament with 428 runs in nine innings at a strike rate of 186.08.
With Patidar back in action and MP eyeing their first-ever SMAT title, the team will be determined to go one step further than last year’s runners-up finish.
Rajat Patidar’s Fitness Clearance a Big Boost for MP
Patidar’s recovery and BCCI clearance come at a crucial point in MP’s campaign. His aggressive batting, sharp leadership, and recent form across formats make him a key figure as MP looks to bounce back from their opening defeat.
MP Aim to Clinch Their First SMAT Title
With strong team balance and Patidar’s experience, MP will enter the remaining matches with renewed confidence. The squad will hope to turn last season’s heartbreak into a historic title win this year.
