Rajat Patidar becomes threat to Shreyas Iyer as legendary cricketer makes bold T – Rajat Patidar Emerges as Threat to Shreyas Iyer: Ashwin’s Call
The Dharamshala Masterclass: Rajat Patidar Steals the Show
The Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamshala witnessed a batting masterclass during the IPL 2026 Qualifier 1. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) secured a clinical 92-run victory over Shubman Gill’s Gujarat Titans (GT), sealing their spot in the grand final. At the heart of this commanding victory was RCB skipper Rajat Patidar, who played a blistering, unbeaten knock of 93 runs off just 33 deliveries. His explosive innings not only dismantled the Gujarat Titans’ bowling attack but also put RCB just one win away from defending the title they famously claimed in 2025 after an 18-year wait.
While RCB boasts a star-studded lineup featuring legends like Virat Kohli, Patidar has often flown under the radar among cricket fans. However, his phenomenal form this season has made him impossible to ignore. His match-defining knock in the high-stakes Qualifier 1 was a testament to his maturity, clean striking, and ability to perform under intense pressure.
Ravichandran Ashwin’s Bold Claim: Patidar Deserves an India Comeback
Patidar’s extraordinary performance has caught the attention of veteran Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin. Speaking on his YouTube channel, the former Chennai Super Kings (CSK) star strongly asserted that the national selectors must consider Patidar for a return to the Indian national team. Ashwin emphasized that Patidar’s knack for delivering in crucial knockout matches makes him a vital asset.
“There must be a discussion. If it doesn’t happen, then something is wrong,” Ashwin stated firmly. “Rajat Patidar played an important knock, but this is not the first time; he has a great record in Qualifiers.”
Patidar has previously represented India in three Test matches and a single ODI. His last appearance in international colors was during the Test series against England in February 2024 at the JSCA International Stadium Complex in Ranchi. Given his current run of form, Ashwin believes it is time for the selectors to bring him back into the mix.
The Selection Dilemma: Rajat Patidar vs. Shreyas Iyer
The conversation around Patidar’s international recall inevitably draws comparisons with other middle-order contenders, most notably Shreyas Iyer. Iyer is widely regarded as one of the most impactful and successful captains in the IPL. However, Ashwin believes that Patidar’s recent performances have allowed him to leapfrog or at least equal Iyer in the race for a spot in the Men in Blue setup.
“Before this knock, Shreyas Iyer was a little ahead of Patidar. But after today’s knock, Rajat Patidar is right up there,” Ashwin analyzed. “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 also touched upon the context of the selection, noting how team success influences these decisions. “If Shreyas Iyer’s amazing form coincided with PBKS making it to the playoffs, [it would have been ideal]. 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.
Analysing Patidar’s Tournament Stats and Leadership
The Madhya Pradesh-born middle-order batter has been leading RCB from the front. Throughout this campaign, he has accumulated 86 runs across 13 innings at an extraordinary strike rate of 196.76. This incredible scoring rate makes him the second-highest run-getter for RCB in this tournament, highlighting his ability to shift momentum in a matter of overs. His captaincy has also been a revelation, guiding the franchise to the cusp of consecutive titles.
With the IPL final on the horizon, all eyes will be on Rajat Patidar. If he can lead RCB to back-to-back championship victories, the selectors will face an incredibly difficult task in keeping him out of the national side. The battle for the middle-order spots in the Indian team is heating up, and Patidar has firmly established himself as a prime contender.
