Rajat Patidar becomes threat to Shreyas Iyer as legendary cricketer makes bold T – Rajat Patidar Stakes Claim for Team India Spot After IPL Heroics
The Rise of Rajat Patidar: A New Contender for the Men in Blue
In the high-stakes environment of the Indian Premier League, few players manage to capture the imagination of experts and fans alike quite like Rajat Patidar has this season. The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) captain, who has been instrumental in his team’s push for back-to-back titles, has now become the focal point of a major selection debate. Former Team India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has thrown his weight behind the batter, suggesting that it is time for the national selectors to seriously consider Patidar for a return to international cricket.
A Masterclass in Dharamshala
The call for Patidar’s inclusion follows his breathtaking display against the Gujarat Titans in the IPL 2026 Qualifier 1 at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium. With the pressure mounting and a place in the final on the line, Patidar unleashed a blistering unbeaten 93-run knock off just 33 deliveries. His innings was the cornerstone of RCB’s comprehensive 92-run victory, a result that moved them one step closer to defending the championship they secured in 2025.
While stars like Virat Kohli often dominate the headlines, Patidar has quietly evolved into the heartbeat of the RCB batting lineup. His ability to anchor an innings while maintaining a punishing strike rate has been a revelation. Throughout this campaign, he has amassed 86 runs across 13 innings at a staggering strike rate of 196.76, cementing his position as one of the team’s most vital contributors.
The Ashwin Endorsement
Ravichandran Ashwin, speaking on his YouTube channel, emphasized that Patidar’s recent form is too significant to ignore. “There must be a discussion. If it doesn’t happen, then something is wrong,” Ashwin remarked. The veteran spinner pointed out that Patidar’s success in high-pressure playoff situations is a hallmark of a player who is ready for the international stage. Patidar has previously represented India in three Tests and one ODI, with his last appearance coming against England in early 2024. Ashwin believes that the skill set he has demonstrated—particularly his improved ability to handle fast bowling alongside his established dominance over spin—makes him an invaluable asset.
Patidar vs. Shreyas Iyer: The Selection Dilemma
The most compelling part of the debate is the direct comparison between Patidar and Shreyas Iyer. For some time, Iyer has been viewed as a primary candidate for the middle order, praised for his leadership and consistency. However, Ashwin suggests that the landscape has shifted. While he acknowledges Iyer’s impact as an IPL skipper, he believes the narrative has changed in light of Patidar’s recent heroics.
“Before this knock, Shreyas Iyer was a little ahead of Patidar. But after today’s knock, Rajat Patidar is right up there,” Ashwin noted. He further highlighted that Patidar’s leadership qualities, combined with his match-defining contributions under pressure, make a compelling case for him to be ahead in the pecking order. The former cricketer went on to say, “If he manages to defend the title as captain, then it is important to talk about him. Not just talk, it is important to give him a chance.”
Looking Ahead
Whether the selectors ultimately heed Ashwin’s advice remains to be seen. However, there is no denying that Rajat Patidar has forced his way into the conversation through sheer performance. His evolution from an underrated middle-order batter to a captain who leads from the front is the kind of narrative that defines the IPL. As RCB prepares for the final, all eyes will be on the Madhya Pradesh-born cricketer to see if he can deliver yet another masterclass. For Indian cricket, the depth of talent continues to grow, and Patidar has made it clear that he intends to be a permanent fixture in that future.
