Rajat Patidar’s India Debut Openly Demanded By RCB Teammate – Rajat Patidar’s IPL 2026 Brilliance Sparks India Call-Up Demand
Rajat Patidar’s IPL 2026 Heroics Ignite Team India Buzz
Rajat Patidar, the dynamic middle-order batter for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), has been in scintillating form throughout the IPL 2026 season. His recent masterclass in Qualifier 1, where he single-handedly dismantled the Gujarat Titans, has not only paved RCB’s path to the final but also sparked a humorous yet emphatic demand for his inclusion in the Indian national team from his own teammate, England international Phil Salt.
Patidar, leading the defending champions in the crucial Qualifier 1 clash in Dharamsala, played an innings that will be etched in IPL folklore. He blasted an unbeaten 93 runs off a mere 33 balls, an assault that included five crisp boundaries and nine towering sixes. This belligerent display of power-hitting left the opposition reeling and spectators in awe.
Fittingly, Patidar was adjudged the ‘Player of the Match’ for his extraordinary effort. This particular innings marked his fifth half-century of the IPL 2026 season, pushing him tantalizingly close to the coveted 500-run mark for the tournament. Such consistent brilliance from a middle-order batter is a rarity and speaks volumes about his current form and confidence.
Phil Salt’s Playful Demand for Patidar’s India Inclusion
Following his latest heroics with the bat, the clamor for Rajat Patidar’s inclusion in the Team India squad has intensified, albeit in a light-hearted manner, thanks to his RCB teammate Phil Salt. The England international, known for his jovial nature, openly demanded Patidar’s national team call-up.
While filming a video for the RCB franchise at the team hotel, Salt, with a wide smile, declared, “Rajat Patidar Team India play button.” This simple yet impactful statement quickly resonated with fans and experts alike, highlighting the widespread recognition of Patidar’s exceptional performances. It’s a testament to Patidar’s impact that a teammate from another international side feels so strongly about his deservingness for national honors. The camaraderie and respect within the RCB camp are evident, and Salt’s playful demand underscores the quality Patidar brings to the team.
Watch the video below:
Rajat Patidar with Virat Kohli [Source: AFP]
A Season to Remember for the RCB Skipper
Rajat Patidar’s IPL 2026 campaign has truly been a season for the record books. He has amassed an impressive 486 runs in just 13 innings, maintaining a prolific average of 44.18. What truly sets him apart, however, is his astonishing batting strike rate of 196.76. This places him as the third-highest among all players this season with over 400 runs, trailing only Rajasthan Royals opener Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Sunrisers Hyderabad’s Abhishek Sharma. Such a high strike rate, combined with a healthy average, showcases his ability to score quickly and effectively, providing crucial impetus to the RCB innings.
His enterprising knock of 93* off 33 balls in the first qualifier was instrumental in catapulting RCB to a monumental total of 254-5 in their allotted 20 overs. This blistering display not only shattered a slew of individual and team records but also ensured RCB’s dominant 92-run victory, securing their spot in the IPL 2026 final. The occasion also marked RCB’s second successive appearance in an IPL final, a remarkable achievement for a franchise that has consistently strived for excellence. Under Patidar’s astute leadership, having won the 2025 edition, the team has found a new dimension of success and consistency.
When Will Patidar Make His Team India Return?
Despite his current red-hot form, Rajat Patidar has only played a handful of international matches for Team India since his debut back in December 2023. His international career thus far includes just one One Day International (ODI) and three Test matches. All three of his Test appearances occurred during a single home series against England in February 2024, where he showed glimpses of his talent but couldn’t cement a permanent spot.
Much to the surprise of many cricket enthusiasts, Patidar is yet to make his Team India debut in T20I cricket. This is particularly perplexing given that it is the format in which he seemingly thrives the most, as evidenced by his current IPL performances. His ability to accelerate the scoring and dominate bowlers makes him a natural fit for the shortest format of the game. Currently out of contention for the national team line-up, Patidar’s rapidly rising stocks and consistent match-winning contributions might just prompt the BCCI men’s selection committee to reconsider this prolific middle-order batter for his much-deserved national return. The selectors will undoubtedly be keeping a close eye on his performances as he continues to impress on the big stage.
RCB Reaches Second Successive IPL Final
The Royal Challengers Bangalore franchise has now reached its second successive IPL final, a testament to their unwavering spirit and exceptional team performance. Their resounding victory over Gujarat Titans by 92 runs in Qualifier 1 at the picturesque HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala was a statement of intent.
Under the dynamic leadership of Rajat Patidar, the team is now poised to take on either Gujarat Titans or the winner of the Rajasthan Royals vs SRH Eliminator in the grand finale. The much-awaited title clash is scheduled to be hosted by the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad later this weekend. The final will be played on Sunday, May 31, with the action commencing from 7:30 PM IST onwards.
Should RCB emerge victorious in the impending final, the franchise will achieve a significant milestone, becoming only the third team in the history of the IPL to successfully defend its title. They would join the elite company of cricketing giants Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Mumbai Indians, solidifying their place as one of the most successful franchises in the tournament’s history. The stage is set for an epic encounter, and all eyes will be on Rajat Patidar and his team as they chase glory.
