Rajat Patidar set to earn India selection call, claims Virender Sehwag – Virender Sehwag Backs Rajat Patidar for India Call-Up After IPL 2026 Heroics
The Rise of a New T20 Superstar
In the high-stakes world of the Indian Premier League, few players manage to dominate the spotlight quite like Rajat Patidar has in the 2026 season. Serving as the captain of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), Patidar has transformed into a powerhouse of modern T20 batting. His recent performances have not only propelled his franchise into the IPL 2026 final but have also sparked a serious conversation regarding his future with the Indian national team.
A Statistical Masterclass
Patidar’s numbers this season are nothing short of extraordinary. Across 13 innings, the right-handed batter has amassed 486 runs, maintaining an impressive average of over 44. However, it is his strike rate—hovering near 197—that has truly captured the attention of selectors and pundits alike. The highlight of his season came during the Qualifier 1 match against the Gujarat Titans in Dharamshala, where he unleashed an unbeaten 93 off just 33 balls. Striking at a breathtaking 281.81, he was instrumental in leading RCB to a monumental total of 254/5, the highest-ever in IPL playoff history.
The Sehwag Endorsement
Virender Sehwag, a man who knows a thing or two about aggressive, match-winning cricket, has been vocal in his praise for the RCB skipper. During his analysis on Cricbuzz, the former Indian opener highlighted Patidar’s mental fortitude as much as his shot selection. When RCB found themselves in a precarious position after losing two quick wickets, it was Patidar who anchored the ship before launching a calculated assault on the Titans’ bowling lineup.
“When he had come into bat, two wickets had fallen in the same over,” Sehwag noted. “From there, he handled the situation, structured his innings, and then completely wreaked havoc in the end. He hit sixes in every direction; those were calculated hits. He knows what his strengths are; he waits for the ball. I am saying that the Indian team is not far away at all.”
The Road to the National Team
The sentiment regarding Patidar’s readiness for international cricket is shared by others in the fraternity, including former Indian pacer Mohit Sharma. With India scheduled to face Ireland, England, and Zimbabwe in upcoming T20I series, the depth of talent available to the selectors is being tested. Mohit Sharma noted that players like Patidar are making the selection process increasingly difficult, presenting a “great headache” for those in charge of the national squad.
The central question now facing cricket administrators is how to integrate this in-form talent into a side that is already brimming with quality. As Mohit observed, “He is batting brilliantly. Now the question for him is how do you run things in the future? How can you play for India? How will the space be created?”
Looking Ahead to the Final
While the prospect of an India call-up is undoubtedly exciting, the immediate focus for Rajat Patidar remains the IPL 2026 title. RCB has secured their spot in the final, and Sehwag has cautioned the team against the dangers of complacency. With a two-day break before the final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, Sehwag emphasizes the need for disciplined preparation.
“They can’t afford to relax just because they are in the final,” Sehwag warned. “It is their benefit that they will be able to practice there for 2 days. The other team that will qualify for the final will not even get a chance to practice there, because they will have to travel on their break day. Also, RCB have played at that ground so many times, and have won the title there also.”
As the cricket world turns its eyes to the final showdown on May 31, all eyes will be on Rajat Patidar. Whether he lifts the trophy or not, his path to the national colors seems to be gathering unstoppable momentum, driven by a blend of raw power and the tactical maturity that defines the very best in the game today.
