Rajat Patidar set to earn India selection call, claims Virender Sehwag – Rajat Patidar Set for India T20I Call-Up, Asserts Virender Sehwag
The Rise of Rajat Patidar: From RCB Leader to National Contender
Rajat Patidar has been the standout performer of IPL 2026, leading the defending champions, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), from the front with absolute authority. His remarkable consistency and aggressive stroke-play have not only put RCB on the cusp of retaining their title but have also caught the attention of some of the greatest minds in Indian cricket. Among them is legendary former Indian opener Virender Sehwag, who believes that Patidar’s entry into the national T20I setup is now inevitable.
The RCB captain has enjoyed an extraordinary run in the ongoing tournament. Across 13 innings, Patidar has amassed 486 runs at an exceptional average of over 44. What makes his run tally even more terrifying for opposition bowlers is his blistering strike rate of nearly 197. He has redefined modern T20 anchoring, combining traditional composure with an explosive boundary-clearing ability that keeps RCB ahead of the curve in almost every encounter.
A Record-Breaking Masterclass in Dharamshala
The pinnacle of Patidar’s IPL 2026 campaign came during the high-stakes Qualifier 1 against the Gujarat Titans in Dharamshala on May 26. Walking out to bat under immense pressure after two wickets fell in the very same over, the RCB captain played an innings for the ages. He smashed an unbeaten 93 off just 33 balls, operating at a jaw-dropping strike rate of 281.81. His explosive batting propelled Royal Challengers Bengaluru to a massive total of 254/5, which stands as the highest-ever total in IPL playoff history.
This mammoth target proved to be far too steep for the Gujarat Titans. Under the weight of the massive scoreboard pressure, the Titans’ batting lineup crumbled, eventually slipping to 162 all out. The commanding victory sealed RCB’s direct ticket to the IPL 2026 final, leaving the cricket fraternity in awe of Patidar’s tactical brilliance and sheer ball-striking ability.
Virender Sehwag’s High Praise: “The Indian Team is Not Far Away”
Virender Sehwag was highly impressed by the mature yet devastating manner in which Patidar handled the crisis in Dharamshala. Speaking on Cricbuzz, the former India opener analyzed the psychological and technical strengths that Patidar showcased during his innings.
Sehwag highlighted Patidar’s ability to stay calm when early wickets tumbled, noting how the skipper structured his innings before launching an all-out assault on the Gujarat Titans’ bowling attack. According to Sehwag, Patidar’s shot selection and confidence under high-pressure scenarios make him fully prepared for the international stage.
“When he had come into bat, two wickets had fallen in the same over,” Sehwag observed on Cricbuzz. “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 Selectors’ Headache: Mohit Sharma Weighs In
Sehwag is not alone in his assessment. Former Indian pacer Mohit Sharma, who represented the Gujarat Titans in the tournament, agreed that Patidar is making an undeniable case for national selection. With India scheduled to play T20I series against Ireland, England, and Zimbabwe in the coming months, Patidar’s current form is bound to create intense competition for positions in the national squad.
During the same panel discussion, Mohit Sharma emphasized the pleasant headache Patidar is presenting to the national selectors. “He is batting brilliantly,” Sharma noted. “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?”
The Road to the IPL 2026 Final: Sehwag Warns RCB Against Complacency
With their spot in the IPL 2026 final safely booked, RCB now await the winner of Qualifier 2. The Gujarat Titans will have a second chance to reach the final when they take on either Sunrisers Hyderabad or Rajasthan Royals—the winner of the Eliminator on May 27—for the remaining final spot. The ultimate title clash is scheduled to take place at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on May 31.
Despite RCB’s dominant run, Virender Sehwag issued a strong warning to the Bengaluru-based franchise, advising them against becoming overconfident. However, he did point out a massive logistical and physical advantage that RCB holds heading into the grand finale.
Because RCB qualified directly through Qualifier 1, they have several extra days to prepare and adapt to the conditions in Ahmedabad. Sehwag believes this window is crucial. “They can’t afford to relax just because they are in the final. They will have to prepare for it,” Sehwag explained. “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 countdown to the May 31 final begins, all eyes will remain on Rajat Patidar. Whether he can lead RCB to consecutive titles remains to be seen, but his performances have already ensured that his name is firmly etched in the minds of the national selectors.
