Best replacement players in IPL history
Over the years, franchises have brought in players who weren’t even in the original plans but went on to guide their team’s fortunes.
4. Rajat Patidar (IN); Luvnith Sisodia (OUT) for Royal Challengers Bengaluru in 2022
Rajat Patidar after a decent debut in 2021 where he played just four games and went unsold in the 2022 mega auction was called back by Royal Challengers Bengaluru as an injury replacement for Luvnith Sisodia midway through IPL 2022. Roped in for just INR 20 lakh, Patidar made the most of his opportunity, scoring 333 runs in eight matches, including an unbeaten 112 in the Eliminator against Lucknow Super Giants. That innings not only helped RCB win the game but also confirmed Patidar’s place in the side.
Though a heel injury ruled him out of IPL 2023, he bounced back in 2024 with 395 runs at a strike rate of 177, earning a spot among the retained players. Ahead of IPL 2025, Patidar was named RCB captain after the release of Faf Du Plessis. Under his captaincy, RCB started the 2025 season on a strong note, with many believing he might be the one to finally help RCB lift their maiden IPL title.
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