Kolkata: Royal Challengers Bangalore batter Rajat Patidar on Wednesday became the first uncapped player in the history of Indian Premier League (IPL) to smash a century in the playoffs.
The batter achieved this feat during his side's Eliminator clash against Lucknow Super Giants here at Eden Gardens in Kolkata.It was a memorable day at the field for Patidar as he smashed an unbeaten 112 off just 54 to guide his side to a massive total of 207/4 at the end of their 20 overs.
Rajat Patidar scored a scintillating 1⃣1⃣2⃣* & bagged the Player of the Match award as @RCBTweets beat #LSG in Eliminator of the #TATAIPL 2022. #LSGvRCB
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) May 25, 2022
Scorecard ▶️ https://t.co/cOuFDWIUmk pic.twitter.com/eNepG92nc5
He also became the first player from his side to hit a century in the playoffs, surpassing Chris Gayle's 89-run knock in the second qualifier against Mumbai Indians in the 2011 edition of the league.
Previously, the highest score by an uncapped player in playoffs/knock-out matches was by Manish Pandey during the 2014 edition of IPL. Then playing for Kolkata Knight Riders against Punjab Kings in the finals, he had scored 94 runs for his side.
Overall, he is the fourth uncapped player to hit a century in the league. The first one was Manish Pandey, who scored an unbeaten 114 against the now-defunct Deccan Chargers in 2009.
The other uncapped players with an IPL century are Paul Valthaty (120* for Punjab Kings against Chennai Super Kings in 2011) and Devdutt Padikkal (101* for Royal Challengers Bangalore against Rajasthan Royals in 2021). (With ANI inputs)
