Rajat Patidar set to earn India selection call, claims Virender Sehwag – Rajat Patidar on Brink of India Call-Up, Predicts Virender Sehwag After IPL Heroics
Indian cricket legend Virender Sehwag has made a bold and highly anticipated prediction concerning Rajat Patidar, asserting that the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) captain is poised to earn a coveted call-up to the Indian national team. This declaration comes on the heels of Patidar’s extraordinary and consistent performances for RCB in the ongoing IPL 2026 season, where he has consistently led the defending champions from the front with remarkable batting displays.
Rajat Patidar’s Dominant IPL 2026 Campaign
Rajat Patidar has been in sensational form throughout the IPL 2026, showcasing a blend of consistency, aggression, and match-winning ability that has captivated fans and experts alike. Across 13 innings, the RCB captain has amassed an impressive 486 runs, maintaining an outstanding average of over 44. Even more striking is his blistering strike rate, which hovers around an astonishing 197. These statistics underscore his ability to not only score runs but to do so at a rapid pace, putting immense pressure on opposition bowlers.
His consistent run-scoring has been a cornerstone of RCB’s success, providing crucial impetus in the middle order and often single-handedly shifting the momentum of games. Patidar’s ability to accelerate the innings at will, coupled with his mature shot selection, has made him one of the most dangerous batsmen in the tournament.
The Record-Breaking Knock Against Gujarat Titans
The pinnacle of Patidar’s exceptional form came during Qualifier 1 against Gujarat Titans. In a performance that will undoubtedly be etched into IPL history, Patidar unleashed a record-breaking, unbeaten knock of 93 runs off just 33 balls. This incredible innings was played at a jaw-dropping strike rate of 281.81, a testament to his explosive power and precision.
His monumental effort guided RCB to the highest-ever total in IPL playoff history, posting a formidable 254 for 5. This blazing knock effectively stormed RCB into the IPL 2026 final, as the Gujarat Titans struggled to reach 162 while chasing the mammoth target in Dharamshala on May 26. The sheer audacity and control displayed during this innings have firmly placed Patidar in the national spotlight.
Virender Sehwag’s Strong Endorsement for India Call-Up
Witnessing Patidar’s explosive batting, particularly his heroic performance in the Qualifier 1, Virender Sehwag expressed his conviction that the RCB skipper is now very close to securing a spot in India’s T20I squad. The former India opener was profoundly impressed with how the right-handed batter navigated high-pressure situations, completely altering the course of the match with his aggressive style. Sehwag highlighted Patidar’s strategic approach, attacking the Gujarat Titans bowlers from all corners of the ground in Dharamshala.
Analyzing Patidar’s Composure and Attacking Prowess
Sehwag specifically lauded Patidar for the remarkable calmness he exhibited, especially after early wickets had fallen. The legendary batsman felt that Patidar perfectly understood the match situation, allowing him to structure his innings before unleashing an aggressive onslaught at the opportune moment. The commentator further stated that Patidar is fully prepared for T20I cricket, citing his exemplary shot selection and unwavering confidence under duress.
Speaking on Cricbuzz, Virender Sehwag articulated his analysis: “When he had come into bat, two wickets had fallen in the same over. 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.” This statement from a player of Sehwag’s stature carries significant weight, signaling Patidar’s readiness for the international stage.
Mohit Sharma Echoes Selection Dilemma
Adding further credence to Patidar’s India prospects, former Indian pacer Mohit Sharma, who was part of the Gujarat Titans in IPL, also believes that Patidar is presenting a compelling case for national selection. With the Men in Blue scheduled to play T20I series against Ireland, England, and Zimbabwe in the coming months, Mohit Sharma noted that Patidar’s consistent brilliance is creating significant selection headaches for the national selectors.
During the same discussion, Mohit Sharma remarked: “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?” This reflects the challenge for selectors in integrating such a high-performing talent into an already competitive national squad.
RCB’s Road to the Final and Sehwag’s Strategic Counsel
With their dominant victory, RCB have officially booked their place in the IPL 2026 final and are now awaiting the winner of Qualifier 2. Gujarat Titans, after their loss, will face either Sunrisers Hyderabad or Rajasthan Royals—the winner of the Eliminator on May 27—for the remaining final spot. This crucial phase demands strategic thinking and meticulous preparation.
Virender Sehwag, ever the pragmatist, offered a word of caution to Royal Challengers Bengaluru against becoming overconfident. He emphasized the significant advantage RCB now possess: the extra time to prepare and acclimatize to the conditions at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad before the title clash on May 31. This period of preparation is invaluable for fine-tuning strategies and ensuring peak performance.
Sehwag stated: “They can’t afford to relax just because they are in the final. They will have to prepare for it. 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.” His advice highlights the importance of leveraging every possible advantage in a high-stakes final.
Conclusion: A Strong Case for National Recognition
Rajat Patidar’s exceptional run in IPL 2026, marked by impactful performances and a record-breaking innings, has undeniably put him firmly on the radar of national selectors. Endorsed by cricketing luminaries like Virender Sehwag and Mohit Sharma, Patidar’s blend of composure, aggression, and match-winning ability makes a compelling case for his inclusion in the Indian T20I squad. As the IPL season culminates, the cricketing world will keenly watch if Patidar’s domestic heroics translate into an international opportunity.
