Rajat Patidar: MPL has produced 10-11 IPL players, a great sign for MP cricket
Synopsis
Fresh off making IPL history as a back-to-back title-winning captain with RCB, Rajat Patidar is back on the MPL stage — and his message is clear: the Madhya Pradesh Premier League isn't just a state tournament, it's a proven IPL pipeline. With 10-11 MPL alumni now playing in the IPL, the league's impact on Indian cricket's grassroots is hard to ignore.
Key Takeaways
Rajat Patidar captains Gwalior Cheetahs in MPL Season 3 , which opened at Holkar Stadium, Indore on 5 June .
Patidar says at least 10-11 players from the MPL are now playing in the IPL , with 5-6 new players emerging through the league.
He called the Holkar Stadium special, noting it is where he began his career.
Patidar recently led Royal Challengers Bengaluru to a second consecutive IPL title , becoming only the third captain after Rohit Sharma and MS Dhoni to achieve back-to-back IPL wins.
The 32-year-old praised the crowd turnout and urged fans to keep supporting the tournament through the season.
Gwalior Cheetahs captain Rajat Patidar has praised the Madhya Pradesh Premier League (MPL) for its pivotal role in unearthing and grooming cricketing talent across the state, saying the tournament has become a genuine launchpad for players who are now thriving at the highest levels of the game.
Patidar on MPL's Impact
Speaking after leading the Gwalior Cheetahs in their opening MPL Season 3 fixture against Ujjain Falcons at the Holkar Stadium in Indore on 5 June, Patidar pointed to the league's tangible contribution to the state's cricket ecosystem.
'At least 10-11 players from here are now playing in the IPL, and around 5-6 new players have emerged through this league. Many players have not only got opportunities but have also gone on to dominate at higher levels. It's a really good sign for cricket,' he said.
A Competitive Platform for Young Cricketers
The 32-year-old batter, widely regarded as one of Madhya Pradesh's most successful cricketing exports, believes the MPL has meaningfully strengthened the state's cricket structure by giving young players consistent exposure to a high-pressure, competitive environment. He noted that the pipeline of talent emerging from the league reflects a broader improvement in grassroots development across the state.
Holkar Stadium: A Ground Close to His Heart
Patidar also spoke warmly about his connection to the Holkar Stadium, a venue that carries deep personal significance in his career. 'Whenever I come to the Holkar Stadium, I always enjoy it because I started my career from here. I have a lot of memories attached to this ground,' he said. The ground's familiarity, he suggested, adds an extra dimension of motivation whenever he plays there.
Crowd Support and Season Expectations
The Gwalior Cheetahs skipper expressed satisfaction at the enthusiastic turnout for the tournament opener and called on fans to sustain that energy throughout the season. 'The atmosphere was really good. It was great to see so many fans coming to watch the match. Their support motivates all the players, and I am sure the crowd will keep growing as the tournament progresses,' Patidar added.
Fresh off Back-to-Back IPL Glory
Patidar arrives at MPL Season 3 on the back of a historic run in the Indian Premier League (IPL), having guided Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) to their second consecutive IPL title as captain. The feat made him only the third captain in IPL history — after Rohit Sharma and MS Dhoni — to win back-to-back IPL trophies. His return to the MPL stage underscores the tournament's standing as a competition that even India's top names take seriously. With the season now under way, all eyes will be on whether the league continues to deliver the next generation of Indian cricket stars.
Point of View
It would make the MPL one of India's more productive domestic T20 pipelines outside the BCCI's own structures. The question mainstream coverage tends to skip is whether the league's talent production is systematic or incidental — built on coaching infrastructure and scouting, or simply on the natural depth of a cricket-mad state. Patidar's presence as captain also raises the bar for what the MPL can market itself as: not a second-tier competition, but a serious proving ground.
NationPress
10 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Madhya Pradesh Premier League (MPL)?
The Madhya Pradesh Premier League (MPL) is a state-level T20 cricket tournament designed to identify and develop cricketing talent across Madhya Pradesh. It is currently in its third season, with teams such as Gwalior Cheetahs and Ujjain Falcons competing at venues including Holkar Stadium in Indore.
How many MPL players have made it to the IPL?
According to Gwalior Cheetahs captain Rajat Patidar, at least 10-11 players from the MPL are now playing in the IPL, with around 5-6 new players having emerged specifically through the league. Patidar described this as 'a really good sign for cricket.'
Why is Rajat Patidar significant to the MPL?
Rajat Patidar is one of Madhya Pradesh's most prominent cricketing exports and is captaining Gwalior Cheetahs in MPL Season 3. He recently led Royal Challengers Bengaluru to back-to-back IPL titles, making him only the third captain in IPL history — after Rohit Sharma and MS Dhoni — to win consecutive IPL trophies.
What is the significance of Holkar Stadium for Patidar?
Holkar Stadium in Indore is where Rajat Patidar began his cricket career, and he has described it as a ground with deep personal memories. He said he always enjoys playing there whenever he returns.
When did MPL Season 3 begin?
MPL Season 3 got under way on 5 June, with the opening match between Gwalior Cheetahs and Ujjain Falcons played at Holkar Stadium in Indore.
