Fresh from leading Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) to a second consecutive Indian Premier League (IPL) title, Rajat Patidar has been appointed captain of the Gwalior Cheetahs for the 2026 season of the Madhya Pradesh League (MPL) T20. The move places one of Indian cricket’s rising leadership figures at the helm of a team seeking to improve on its semifinal finish from the previous season.

The Gwalior Cheetahs will begin their 2026 campaign against Ujjain Falcons on Wednesday at the Holkar Stadium in Indore. After narrowly missing a place in the final in 2025, the franchise will be aiming for a stronger run this season under Patidar’s leadership. The squad combines experienced performers with emerging talent, reflecting the team’s focus on both competitiveness and long-term development.

Among the key players in the side is Mangesh Yadav, who finished as the leading wicket-taker in the 2025 MPL season with 14 wickets. The team will also continue to benefit from the guidance of head coach Aditya Srivastava, a respected figure in Madhya Pradesh cricket who captained the state team to its historic Ranji Trophy triumph in 2022, ending a 69-year wait for the title.

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Patidar’s appointment comes on the back of a highly successful IPL campaign with RCB. By guiding the franchise to consecutive championships, he joined an elite group of captains to achieve back-to-back IPL titles. His leadership credentials have drawn widespread praise, particularly for his composed approach in high-pressure situations and his ability to maintain stability within a competitive dressing room.

RCB batting coach and mentor Dinesh Karthik recently described Patidar as a “calm captain,” crediting his temperament as a major factor behind the team’s success. According to Karthik, Patidar’s composed style helped players, especially bowlers, perform effectively under pressure while fostering a balanced team environment despite the presence of several high-profile stars.

With his reputation continuing to grow as both a batter and leader, Patidar now faces the challenge of translating his IPL success to the domestic T20 circuit. For the Gwalior Cheetahs, his arrival represents a significant boost as the franchise targets its first MPL title and looks to establish itself among the tournament’s leading contenders.

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