Rajat Patidar is set to return to competitive cricket as he rejoins the Madhya Pradesh squad for the ongoing Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) in Kolkata. After completing rehabilitation for a left-knee injury, the batter has been cleared to play and will be available for selection starting from the third round of the tournament. His comeback marks a crucial moment for MP, who heavily relies on his experience, leadership, and explosive batting in white-ball cricket.
How Critical Is Patidar’s Homecoming For Madhya Pradesh?
Patidar has been the mainstay of Madhya Pradesh’s batting over the last two years. His return brings stability and firepower to the squad, given MP’s aspirations in this year’s Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.
Patidar had knee pain during the MP Ranji Trophy opener on October 15 against Punjab, which subsequently increased and ruled him out for matches to undergo rehabilitation.
Now fully fit and cleared through a structured return-to-play assessment, Patidar’s addition is expected to bolster MP’s top order and provide tactical depth.
How did Rajat Patidar get injured?
The left-knee niggle first troubled him during the Ranji Trophy opener. He tried to carry on, but the pain lingered on, and he had to take a complete break from competitive cricket for almost four weeks.
He missed Ranji fixtures during that time and also excused himself from his India A duties. With the aid of a 10-day rehabilitation program, he regained match fitness and started net sessions and batting drills again.
How has Patidar fared in the recent domestic seasons?
Patidar came into the 2025–26 domestic cycle in good form.
He started the Ranji Trophy season by scoring a double century against Punjab.
He made two hundreds and two fifties in the Duleep Trophy, leading Central Zone to the title.
Prabhakar was the second leading run scorer in the previous season of SMAT; he smashed 428 runs in 9 innings at a strike rate of 186.08.
His total of 27 sixes was the highest in the tournament, underlining his ability to dominate in the middle overs.
What does Rajat Patidar Return in SMAT mean for Madhya Pradesh?
MP were finalists last season, finishing runners-up. Much of their 2025– 26 campaign has been built on consistency, but Patidar’s absence was a visible hole in their power-hitting game.
His availability from the third round gives the side a well-timed boost as they enter the decisive middle phase of the tournament. Patidar, now promoted as MP’s all-format captain, replaces Shubham Sharma in leadership roles. His return is expected to add strategic clarity and aggression into the lineup.
