IPL 2025: Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Rajat Patidar, 3 RCB Players Who Excelled in SMAT 2024

IPL 2025: The Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) 2024 concluded with Mumbai lifting the title, but it also served as a proving ground for Royal Challengers Bangalore’s (RCB) players ahead of the next season of IPL.

Several RCB stars showcased their prowess in this premier domestic T20 competition, laying a strong foundation for their franchise's upcoming season. Among RCB’s standout performers were Rajat Patidar, a key retention, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, a big-ticket acquisition, and Rasikh Salam, an emerging talent.

Let’s have an in-depth look at each of the RCB squad members who had a terrific outing in the recently concluded SMAT 2024.

#1. Rajat Patidar: The Batting Maestro

Rajat Patidar emerged as one of the top performers in SMAT 2024, scoring 428 runs in nine innings for Madhya Pradesh. With a stellar average of 61.14 and an impressive strike rate of 186.08, he was the tournament's second-highest run-scorer.

Patidar’s standout performances included a match-winning 81* in the final against Mumbai and crucial knocks like 68 against Bengal and 62 versus Punjab. A retained RCB player at ₹11 crore, Patidar’s red-hot form cements him as a lynchpin in RCB's batting order for IPL 2025.

#2. Bhuvneshwar Kumar: The Hat-Trick Hero

Veteran pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar had a phenomenal SMAT 2024 campaign, leading Uttar Pradesh with precision. His crowning moment came against Jharkhand, where he claimed a sensational hat-trick, finishing with figures of 3/6. Across nine matches, Kumar scalped 11 wickets at an exceptional economy of 6.03.

Signed for ₹10.75 crore, Kumar’s experience and control, especially in the powerplay, will be pivotal for RCB's bowling attack in IPL 2025.

#3. Rasikh Salam: The Emerging Speedster

Jammu and Kashmir’s Rasikh Salam showcased his potential with 11 wickets in seven matches, maintaining a respectable economy of 7.46. His fiery spell of 3/30 against Manipur underlined his ability to disrupt batting line-ups.

Acquired by RCB for ₹6 crore, Salam’s growth as a reliable pace option adds depth to RCB's squad, especially for middle-overs breakthroughs.

Special Mentions: Manoj Bhandage & Krunal Pandya

Manoj Bhandage impressed with his all-round abilities, picking seven wickets at an economy of 7.55 for Karnataka. His versatility makes him a valuable ₹30-lakh addition.

Krunal Pandya shone as a middle-overs enforcer for Baroda, taking eight wickets in nine matches at an economy of 6.77. Though his batting form was modest, his bowling makes him a key ₹5.75-crore recruit.

RCB’s promising performances in SMAT 2024 hint at a well-rounded team ready to challenge for IPL 2025 glory.