Rajat Patidar IPL Jersey Number: Complete Details & Journey

Introduction

Rajat Patidar, one of the most promising Indian cricketers, has made a name for himself in the Indian Premier League (IPL) with his consistent performances and elegant batting. Over the years, his jersey number has changed, reflecting different phases of his career. Fans often wonder about the significance of a player’s jersey number, and in this article, we will take a deep dive into Rajat Patidar’s IPL jersey number journey.

Rajat Patidar’s IPL Career Overview

• Full Name: Rajat Manohar Patidar
• Born: June 1, 1993
• IPL Debut: 2021
• IPL Team: Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB)
• Playing Role: Top-order batsman
• Batting Style: Right-handed

Jersey Number Evolution in IPL

1️⃣ IPL 2021 – Rajat Patidar’s Debut Jersey Number (87)

Rajat Patidar made his IPL debut in 2021 for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and was assigned jersey number 87.
🟢 Reason for Number 87:

• It was possibly a random allocation, as new players often don’t have the privilege of choosing their jersey numbers.
• Many believe 87 is a lucky number for some cricketers, and Patidar may have embraced it during his debut season.

2️⃣ IPL 2022 – Retaining Jersey Number 87

In the 2022 season, Patidar continued with jersey number 87.
🔵 Key Moments with Jersey 87:

• Played one of the most memorable innings in IPL history, scoring a magnificent 112 off 54 balls* in the Eliminator match against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG).
• Became the first uncapped player to score a century in an IPL Playoff match.

3️⃣ IPL 2024 – The Switch to Jersey Number 97

Before IPL 2024, Rajat Patidar changed his jersey number to 97.
🟠 Why the Change?

• Some reports suggest the number 97 represents a personal or numerological significance for Patidar.
• Fans speculated that “97” could be a combination of his initials (R and P) and a lucky number.

4️⃣ The Influence of AB de Villiers – Jersey Number 17 Consideration

RCB legend AB de Villiers had once hinted that if he had to pass on his iconic jersey number 17, he would choose Rajat Patidar.
🟣 Why Did AB de Villiers Choose Patidar?

• Patidar’s fearless batting style resembles that of ABD.
• His ability to take responsibility in crunch moments made him a standout performer.
• However, Patidar did not take up number 17, keeping his unique identity.

5️⃣ IPL 2025 – Captaincy and the New Jersey Number (7)

In IPL 2025, Rajat Patidar was appointed as the new captain of RCB after Virat Kohli stepped down.
🟡 New Jersey Number: 7

• This number is historically associated with legendary captains like MS Dhoni.
• It symbolizes leadership, composure, and excellence.

Significance of Rajat Patidar’s Jersey Numbers

Why Do Players Change Their Jersey Numbers?

✅ Superstitions & Luck – Some cricketers believe a particular number brings them good fortune.
✅ Numerology & Personal Beliefs – Many choose numbers based on numerological calculations.
✅ Honor & Legacy – Some take up legendary jersey numbers to continue a legacy.
✅ New Roles in the Team – A new number can signify a new phase in their career, like when a player becomes a captain.

Rajat Patidar’s Jersey Number – A Symbol of His Growth in IPL

Jersey numbers in cricket often hold deep significance, representing a player’s journey, beliefs, or even luck factors. Rajat Patidar’s transition from number 87 to 97 and now to 7 as RCB captain is not just about numbers—it symbolizes his rise in stature within the IPL.

Let’s break down what each number has meant for him:

1️⃣ Jersey Number 87 – The Beginning of His IPL Career

📅 Years Worn: 2021-2022
🏏 Team: Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB)
📌 Significance:

• First-ever jersey number in the IPL.
• Witnessed his breakthrough performance in IPL 2022 Playoffs.
• Played under Virat Kohli and Faf du Plessis, learning from experienced players.

🏆 Memorable Moment with Jersey 87:

• Scored 112 (54)* against LSG in IPL 2022 Eliminator, proving himself as a big-match player.

2️⃣ Jersey Number 97 – Entering a New Phase

📅 Year Worn: 2024
🏏 Team: Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB)
📌 Significance:

• A shift from 87, marking a personal or numerological choice.
• This season saw him become RCB’s key middle-order batsman.
• Strengthened his role as a match-winner.

💡 Why Number 97?
🔹 Some fans speculate it combines his initials (R & P) and a lucky number.
🔹 It could represent his birth year (1993) with an adjusted figure.
🔹 Perhaps he wanted a fresh start with a new identity.

🏆 Memorable Moment with Jersey 97:

• One of RCB’s top run-scorers in IPL 2024, playing several match-winning knocks.

3️⃣ The Proposed AB de Villiers Connection – Number 17

📅 Year Mentioned: 2023
🏏 Team: Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB)
📌 Significance:

• AB de Villiers, RCB legend, mentioned that if he had to pass on his number 17 jersey, he would give it to Rajat Patidar.
• This was a huge honor, considering ABD’s legacy at RCB.

🔹 Why Didn’t Rajat Patidar Take Number 17?

• Patidar wanted his own identity instead of inheriting another player’s legacy.
• He preferred sticking to 97 at that stage in his career.

🏆 Impact:
Even though he didn’t take 17, ABD’s words cemented Patidar’s reputation as RCB’s future star.

4️⃣ Jersey Number 7 – The Captain’s Jersey

📅 Year Worn: 2025 (First Season as RCB Captain)
🏏 Team: Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB)
📌 Significance:

• A historic number in cricket, worn by legends like MS Dhoni.
• Taking this number symbolizes his leadership, responsibility, and stature in the team.
• Represents a new chapter as RCB’s captain.

🏆 Memorable Moment with Jersey 7:

• First match as RCB’s captain, leading the team with confidence.
• Fans compared his leadership style to MS Dhoni’s calm demeanor.

What Does Rajat Patidar’s Jersey Number Journey Tell Us?

💡 It reflects his evolution as a player – from a promising talent (87) to a key player (97) and finally a leader (7).
💡 It shows his individuality – He didn’t take ABD’s number 17 but carved his own identity.
💡 It symbolizes his rising stature in IPL – He has grown from a debutant to RCB’s captain.

Comparison of Rajat Patidar’s Jersey Numbers

Why Do Cricket Players Change Jersey Numbers?

🔹 Personal Beliefs & Superstition – Some players feel certain numbers bring them good luck.
🔹 Numerology & Meaning – Many choose numbers based on numerology calculations.
🔹 Team Changes & Fresh Start – A new number often represents a new beginning.
🔹 Leadership Role – When players become captains, they often switch to a symbolic number.

How Can Jersey Numbers Impact a Player’s Performance?

📌 Psychological Boost: Wearing a lucky number can boost a player’s confidence.
📌 Fan Engagement: Fans associate players with their iconic numbers (e.g., MS Dhoni – 7, Virat Kohli – 18).
📌 Marketing & Branding: Some players build a brand around their jersey numbers.

FAQs About Rajat Patidar’s IPL Jersey Number

Q1: What jersey number did Rajat Patidar wear when he debuted in IPL?

✔️ Rajat Patidar wore jersey number 87 when he debuted for RCB in IPL 2021.

Q2: Why did Rajat Patidar switch to jersey number 97?

✔️ In IPL 2024, he changed to 97, likely for numerological or personal reasons.

Q3: Did Rajat Patidar wear AB de Villiers’ number 17?

✔️ No, though ABD suggested it, Patidar didn’t take 17 and stuck to his own identity.

Q4: What is Rajat Patidar’s jersey number as RCB captain?

✔️ 7 – He adopted it in IPL 2025 after becoming RCB’s new captain.

Q5: What is the significance of jersey number 7 in cricket?

✔️ 7 is an iconic number, famously worn by MS Dhoni and other greats. It represents leadership and composure.

  MORE FAQs 

Q1: What was Rajat Patidar’s first IPL jersey number?

✔️ 87 – He wore this number in IPL 2021 & 2022 for RCB.

Q2: Why did Rajat Patidar switch to jersey number 97?

✔️ He changed to 97 in IPL 2024, possibly for numerological or personal reasons.

Q3: Did Rajat Patidar ever wear AB de Villiers’ number 17?

✔️ No, though AB de Villiers suggested it, Patidar chose to keep his unique number.

Q4: What jersey number does Rajat Patidar wear as RCB captain?

✔️ 7 – When he became captain in IPL 2025, he adopted jersey number 7.

Conclusion – The Rise of Rajat Patidar in IPL

Rajat Patidar’s journey through different IPL jersey numbers showcases his growth in the league:
✅ 87 – The beginning of his IPL career.
✅ 97 – Establishing himself as a core RCB player.
✅ 7 – Taking on leadership as RCB captain in IPL 2025.

His story is an inspiration for young cricketers, proving that hard work, determination, and performance matter more than just jersey numbers. But at the same time, numbers can represent different phases of a player’s career, and for Rajat Patidar, they tell a story of continuous evolution.

As IPL 2025 unfolds, fans eagerly await to see how he leads RCB with his new identity – the captain wearing jersey number 7! 🚀🔥

Rajat Patidar’s jersey number evolution in the IPL tells a fascinating story of growth, success, and leadership.
✅ From 87 in his debut,
✅ To 97 in IPL 2024,
✅ To wearing 7 as RCB’s captain,
Each change signifies a new milestone in his journey.

As RCB’s leader in 2025, fans eagerly await his performance and how this new phase will shape his IPL legacy. 🎉🔥