Rajat Patidar becomes threat to Shreyas Iyer as legendary cricketer makes bold T – Rajat Patidar Emerges as Team India Contender After Ravichandran Ashwin’s Bold Call
The Rise of Rajat Patidar: A New Selection Dilemma for Team India
The race for spots in the Indian national cricket team has always been intensely competitive, but Rajat Patidar’s latest exploits have thrown a fascinating new curveball at the national selectors. Following a sensational, match-winning performance in the IPL 2026 Qualifier 1, former India spinner and Chennai Super Kings legend Ravichandran Ashwin has made a strong case for Patidar’s return to the national setup. Ashwin’s bold claim suggests that Patidar is now a direct threat to established stars like Shreyas Iyer for a place in the Men in Blue squad.
The Dharamshala Masterclass: Patidar’s Unbeaten 93
The catalyst for this renewed selection debate was Patidar’s breathtaking batting display on May 26 at the picturesque Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamshala. Playing against Shubman Gill’s Gujarat Titans (GT) in Qualifier 1, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) captain led his side from the front. Patidar smashed an unbeaten 93 runs off just 33 deliveries, guiding RCB to a clinical 92-run victory and securing their spot in the IPL 2026 final.
This commanding victory puts RCB just one win away from successfully defending the title they famously secured in 2025—ending a painful 18-year championship drought. While RCB boast global superstars like Virat Kohli, it was Patidar who stole the spotlight in the high-stakes clash, proving that he can deliver under extreme playoff pressure.
Analyzing Patidar’s Campaign and Captaincy
Patidar’s leadership and batting form have been pivotal for RCB this season. Often overshadowed in media discussions by more prominent figures in the squad, the Madhya Pradesh-born middle-order batter has quietly put together an outstanding campaign. In this year’s tournament, Patidar has claimed 86 runs across 13 innings at an astonishing strike rate of 196.76. This scoring rate makes him the second-highest run-getter for the franchise in this campaign, demonstrating his ability to accelerate the scoring rate at will.
More than just the runs, it is his composure as the RCB skipper that has impressed pundits. Taking a team into the finals with a chance to defend their hard-won title is no small feat, especially in a tournament as fiercely contested as the IPL.
Ravichandran Ashwin’s Bold Take: Patidar vs. Shreyas Iyer
Speaking on his YouTube channel, veteran off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin expressed his firm belief that the national selectors must actively discuss Patidar’s reinstatement. Ashwin emphasized that performing in high-pressure playoff matches is a defining trait of Patidar’s career.
“There must be a discussion. If it doesn’t happen, then something is wrong. Rajat Patidar played an important knock, but this is not the first time; he has a great record in Qualifiers,” Ashwin stated. He pointed out that while Shreyas Iyer has long been considered one of the most impactful and successful captains and middle-order options in the IPL, Patidar’s latest innings has completely leveled the playing field.
“Before this knock, Shreyas Iyer was a little ahead of Patidar. But after today’s knock, Rajat Patidar is right up there. We all know how Rajat Patidar plays spinners, but today, he did well against the fast bowlers as well. It was surprising that no GT bowler tested him with the bouncer,” Ashwin analyzed.
The Selection Conundrum for the Men in Blue
The debate between choosing Shreyas Iyer or Rajat Patidar presents a healthy but difficult headache for the Indian team management. Iyer remains highly regarded for his consistency and leadership credentials, but Patidar’s explosive form and unique ability to dismantle bowling attacks cannot be ignored. Ashwin noted that if Iyer’s strong form had coincided with PBKS making the playoffs, the scenario might have been different, but Patidar’s direct path to the final changes everything.
“I still think Shreyas Iyer is in contention, but if, by captaining RCB and reaching the final with such a knock, who knows, he might defend the title as well, then it is important to talk about him. Not just talk, it is important to give him a chance,” Ashwin added, reinforcing that a second consecutive IPL trophy for Patidar as captain would make him virtually impossible to overlook.
Patidar’s International Track Record
A recall would mark a significant milestone for Rajat Patidar, who has already tasted international cricket. To date, the right-handed batter has represented India in three Test matches and one One-Day International (ODI). His last appearance in national colors was during the Test series against England, specifically the match played from February 23–26, 2024, at the JSCA International Stadium Complex in Ranchi. Since then, Patidar has worked diligently in the domestic circuit and the IPL to earn another shot at the highest level. With his current form and the backing of legendary figures like Ravichandran Ashwin, the doors to Team India could very well swing open once again.
