Rajat Patidar becomes threat to Shreyas Iyer as legendary cricketer makes bold T – Rajat Patidar’s IPL Heroics Spark Team India Selection Debate, Ashwin Backs Him Over Shreyas Iyer

Ronav Bailey · 27/05/2026 · 2 min read

The cricketing world is abuzz with discussions surrounding the potential comeback of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) skipper Rajat Patidar to the Indian cricket team. This renewed interest has been significantly fueled by none other than former Team India and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) spinner, Ravichandran Ashwin, who has voiced strong opinions regarding Patidar’s deserving return to national colors.

Ashwin’s emphatic comments arrived in the wake of Patidar’s breathtaking, unbeaten 93-run blitz off a mere 33 balls during RCB’s decisive 92-run victory over Gujarat Titans (GT) in the IPL 2026 Qualifier 1 match. This high-stakes encounter, played on May 26 at the picturesque Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamshala, showcased Patidar’s explosive batting prowess on a grand stage.

Rajat Patidar’s Blistering Knock Fuels Selection Debate

With this commanding triumph over Shubman Gill’s Gujarat Titans, RCB has secured its place in the IPL final, standing just one victory away from defending the title they remarkably won in 2025, breaking an almost 18-year drought. It was Rajat Patidar who spearheaded the team’s charge, delivering a performance that truly broke the jinx. Despite the presence of numerous star players within the RCB squad, including the iconic Virat Kohli, Patidar often remains a less-discussed entity among cricket enthusiasts. However, his form this season has been nothing short of phenomenal, with the match-defining unbeaten 93-run innings serving as a powerful testament to his ongoing brilliance.

The Madhya Pradesh-born middle-order batter, also the skipper of RCB, has accumulated an impressive 86 runs across 13 innings in the current campaign, boasting an astounding strike rate of 196.76. This places him as the second-highest run-scorer for the team in IPL 2026, underscoring his consistent and impactful contributions.

Ashwin’s Expert Take on Patidar vs. Iyer

Ravichandran Ashwin believes that the Indian cricket team selectors should now seriously consider Rajat Patidar’s inclusion in the national squad. Patidar has previously represented India in three Tests and one One Day International, with his last international appearance being a Test match against England from February 23–26, 2024, at the JSCA International Stadium Complex in Ranchi.

Expressing his views on his YouTube channel, Ashwin stated,

Ronav Bailey

Ronav Bailey is a senior cricket correspondent with The Hindu, covering Indian cricket and international tournaments for over 15 years. Known for his incisive match reports, long-form features on cricketing culture, and data-driven analysis, he has reported from three ICC Cricket World Cups and multiple IPL seasons. A regular voice on cricket podcasts and television panels, Bailey brings a nuanced understanding of South Asian cricket politics, player development, and the shifting dynamics between traditional formats and T20 leagues. A Chennai-based journalist, he is also the author of Cover Drives and Carrom Balls: The Changing Face of Indian Cricket. His writing blends sharp observation with a deep respect for the game's subcontinental roots.