India, May 16 -- Rajat Patidar, who is leading Royal Challengers Bengaluru in IPL 2025, opened up about the emotional rollercoaster that followed his omission from the 2022 mega auction despite prior assurances, and how Virat Kohli's encouragement helped him settle into his new leadership role. Patidar has scored 239 runs in 11 games this season, playing a key role in RCB's middle order as the franchise continues to push for its maiden IPL title. But the journey to this position has been far from smooth.

"I had got a message (ahead of the mega auction for IPL 2022) that you be ready... that we will pick you. I had a little hope that I will get another chance (to play for RCB). But I wasn't picked in the mega auction. I was a little sad,"...