Rajat Patidar becomes threat to Shreyas Iyer as legendary cricketer makes bold T – Rajat Patidar Emerges as Team India Threat to Shreyas Iyer: Ashwin

The Dharamshala Carnage: Rajat Patidar Leads RCB from the Front

On May 26, the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamshala witnessed a batting masterclass that has reshaped the national selection debate. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) skipper Rajat Patidar played a sensational, unbeaten innings of 93 runs off just 33 deliveries. His explosive knock powered RCB to a clinical 92-run victory over Shubman Gill’s Gujarat Titans (GT) in the IPL 2026 Qualifier 1.

With this commanding victory, RCB has secured its place in the grand final and stands just one win away from successfully defending the IPL title they won in 2025, which ended an 18-year championship drought. While RCB boasts high-profile superstars like Virat Kohli, it was Patidar who anchored and accelerated the innings when it mattered most. Often flying under the radar of casual cricket fans, the Madhya Pradesh-born middle-order batsman has proven to be the ultimate big-match player for his franchise.

Ravichandran Ashwin Advocates for Patidar’s National Team Return

The sheer impact of Patidar’s knock has caught the attention of veteran Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin. Speaking on his YouTube channel, the former Chennai Super Kings (CSK) star expressed strong conviction that the national selectors must immediately consider Patidar for a recall to the national side.

“There must be a discussion. If it doesn’t happen, then something is wrong,” Ashwin stated unequivocally. “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 One-Day International (ODI). His last international outing came in a Test match against England from February 23–26, 2024, at the JSCA International Stadium Complex in Ranchi. Since then, he has focused on his domestic and franchise duties, culminating in this standout IPL campaign where he has claimed 86 runs across 13 innings at an extraordinary strike rate of 196.76, making him the second-highest run-getter for RCB this season.

The Middle-Order Debate: Rajat Patidar vs. Shreyas Iyer

Ashwin’s endorsement of Patidar directly positions him as a major competitor to Shreyas Iyer for a place in the Men in Blue lineup. Iyer is widely recognized as one of the most successful and tactically astute captains in the IPL. However, Patidar’s current momentum and ability to dismantle bowling attacks under high pressure have shifted the dynamics.

Ashwin analyzed the comparison between the two middle-order candidates in detail:

“Before this knock, Shreyas Iyer was a little ahead of Patidar. But after today’s knock, Rajat Patidar is right up there. 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 observed.

While Iyer remains a formidable contender, Ashwin believes that Patidar’s leadership and performance in carrying RCB to the final should elevate his status in the eyes of the selection committee.

“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.

Why the Selectors Cannot Ignore Patidar

Patidar’s ability to dominate spin has never been in question, but his evolved game against high-pace bowling makes him a versatile asset for the national side. As the Indian team looks to solidify its middle order for upcoming bilateral series and ICC tournaments, a player who thrives in high-stakes knockout games is invaluable.

With one IPL trophy already under his belt from 2025 and a second consecutive title within arms reach, Patidar is making a strong case not just with his bat, but with his leadership. If RCB manages to defend their championship, the calls for Patidar’s return to the national setup will only grow louder, putting immense pressure on the selectors to choose between him and established stars like Shreyas Iyer.