Rajat Patidar becomes threat to Shreyas Iyer as legendary cricketer makes bold T – Rajat Patidar’s Rise: Is He A Threat To Shreyas Iyer’s India Spot?
A Star Emerges in the Spotlight
In the high-stakes arena of the Indian Premier League, momentum is everything. As the 2026 season reaches its crescendo, one name has dominated the narrative not just for his leadership, but for his sheer, unadulterated ability to dismantle bowling attacks: Rajat Patidar. Following his match-defining unbeaten 93-run knock off just 33 balls against the Gujarat Titans in Qualifier 1, the RCB skipper has firmly placed himself at the center of the national team selection conversation.
The Ashwin Endorsement
Veteran spinner and cricket analyst Ravichandran Ashwin has been vocal about Patidar’s recent performances. Observing the RCB captain’s clinical display at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamshala, Ashwin believes that the time for ignoring Patidar’s consistency is over. According to the former Chennai Super Kings star, the selectors need to initiate a serious discussion regarding his inclusion in the Men in Blue.
“There must be a discussion. If it doesn’t happen, then something is wrong,” Ashwin remarked on his YouTube channel. He noted that Patidar’s heroics are not a one-off event, but part of a documented history of delivering under pressure in crucial playoff fixtures.
Redefining the Hierarchy: Patidar vs. Iyer
The conversation inevitably turns to the middle-order composition of the Indian team. For a significant period, Shreyas Iyer has been viewed as a staple in the setup, recognized for his impact and leadership credentials. However, the dynamics have shifted. Ashwin highlights that while Iyer was previously the frontrunner, the current form and leadership displayed by Patidar have leveled, if not shifted, 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,” Ashwin stated. The veteran was particularly impressed by how Patidar dismantled not only the spin bowlers—a known strength of his—but also the fast bowlers, who failed to trouble him with effective bouncer strategies throughout the innings.
A Catalyst for RCB’s Success
Patidar’s influence on the Royal Challengers Bengaluru cannot be overstated. While the team boasts global superstars like Virat Kohli, it is the Madhya Pradesh-born batter who has consistently acted as the engine room. With 86 runs across 13 innings at a staggering strike rate of 196.76, he has become the second-highest run-getter for his side this campaign. More importantly, he has led the team to the final, putting them on the precipice of defending the title they captured in 2025.
This leadership, combined with the capability to perform under the immense pressure of a knockout game, makes a compelling case for his international return. Patidar has previously earned caps for India in three Tests and one ODI, with his last appearance dating back to the home series against England in early 2024. Since then, his evolution as a captain and a destructive middle-order asset has been rapid.
What Lies Ahead for the Selectors?
The argument put forward by experts is not merely based on one innings, but the convergence of leadership, form, and tactical intelligence. As RCB prepares for the final, the eyes of the cricket fraternity are fixed on whether the national selectors will reward this consistent excellence. If Patidar successfully leads his team to back-to-back titles, his claim for a permanent spot in the Indian team becomes nearly impossible to ignore. For now, the narrative has shifted from ‘if’ he should be discussed to ‘when’ he will receive the call-up to represent his country once again.
As the curtains fall on another thrilling IPL season, the rise of Rajat Patidar stands out as a testament to the talent pool in Indian cricket. Whether he secures his spot over seasoned campaigners remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: he has officially arrived as a marquee player in the Indian T20 landscape.
