Rajat Patidar becomes threat to Shreyas Iyer as legendary cricketer makes bold T – Rajat Patidar Challenges Shreyas Iyer for Team India Spot: Ashwin
A Masterclass in Dharamshala: Rajat Patidar Powers RCB to the Final
The high-octane environment of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 has once again delivered a narrative of redemption, skill, and sheer dominance. Following a clinical 92-run victory over Shubman Gill’s Gujarat Titans (GT) in Qualifier 1 at the picturesque Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamshala on May 26, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have booked their spot in the grand final. At the heart of this emphatic victory was a breathtaking, unbeaten 93-run knock off just 33 deliveries by RCB skipper Rajat Patidar. This masterclass has not only put RCB on the cusp of defending the title they won in 2025 but has also ignited a massive debate regarding national selection. Former Indian spinner and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) legend Ravichandran Ashwin has weighed in, strongly suggesting that Patidar is now a serious threat to Shreyas Iyer’s position in the national squad.
Ravichandran Ashwin’s Strong Endorsement for a Team India Recall
Entering the match with immense pressure, Rajat Patidar showcased why he is highly regarded in crunch situations. His unbeaten 93 runs came at a blistering pace, completely dismantling the Gujarat Titans’ bowling attack. By securing this crucial victory, RCB is now just one win away from defending their hard-earned title, which they claimed in 2025 after an agonizing 18-year wait. While RCB boasts an array of global superstars, including the legendary Virat Kohli, Patidar has often quietly gone about his business, sometimes flying under the radar of casual cricket fans. However, his stellar performances in key playoff matches have forced everyone to take notice, cementing his status as a big-game player.
Analyzing Patidar’s Campaign and Captaincy
Beyond just one extraordinary match, the Madhya Pradesh-born middle-order batter has been leading his side with distinction. Serving as the skipper for RCB, Patidar has accumulated 86 runs across 13 innings at an astonishing strike rate of 196.76, making him the second-highest run-scorer for his franchise in this campaign. His ability to maintain such a high scoring rate has provided the middle order with the necessary momentum, allowing RCB to post imposing totals and chase down difficult targets with ease. It is this aggressive intent and leadership quality that has caught the attention of cricket pundits across the country.
The Selection Debate: Rajat Patidar vs. Shreyas Iyer
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ravichandran Ashwin was vocal about the need for the national selectors to seriously consider Patidar for a recall. Ashwin expressed that ignoring Patidar’s credentials at this stage would be a significant oversight. “There must be a discussion. If it doesn’t happen, then something is wrong. Rajat Patidar played an important knock, but this is not the first time; he has a great record in Qualifiers,” Ashwin remarked. The veteran spinner highlighted Patidar’s knack for delivering on the biggest stages, a quality that is highly prized in international cricket.
The selection debate takes an intriguing turn when comparing Patidar to Shreyas Iyer. Iyer has long been established as one of the most successful and impactful captains and middle-order batsmen in the IPL. Before Qualifier 1, Ashwin admitted that Iyer held a slight advantage in the race for a national spot. However, Patidar’s latest heroics have completely shifted the dynamics. “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, pointing out Patidar’s improved game against pace.
Will the Selectors Answer Ashwin’s Call?
Ashwin also emphasized that Patidar’s role as a title-winning captain could elevate his standing even further. While Iyer remains a strong contender, the prospect of Patidar leading RCB to back-to-back titles is a monumental achievement that cannot be ignored. Ashwin added, “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.”
To date, Patidar’s international career consists of three Test matches and a solitary ODI. His last appearance in Indian colors was during the Test series against England in February 2024 at the JSCA International Stadium Complex in Ranchi. While his initial international outings may have been limited, his current red-hot form and evolution as a leader suggest he is a far more complete player today. With the Indian team constantly looking to bolster its middle-order options, Patidar’s ability to dominate both spin and pace makes him an incredibly attractive option for the selectors. As the tournament reaches its grand finale, the battle for the middle-order spot between Rajat Patidar and Shreyas Iyer is set to become one of the most compelling storylines in Indian cricket.
