Rajat Patidar delivered a match-winning unbeaten knock of 93 runs against Gujarat Titans in Qualifier 1 of the Indian Premier League 2026 season, propelling Royal Challengers Bengaluru into the final and strengthening his case for national selection. The 32-year-old right-handed batter's explosive innings, featuring five boundaries and nine sixes, earned him the Player of the Match award in the high-stakes encounter. Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has publicly backed Patidar for a spot in the Indian T20I team, urging selector Ajit Agarkar to seriously consider him for the upcoming series against Ireland and England.
Ashwin, speaking on his YouTube channel 'Ash Ki Baat,' highlighted Patidar's composure and skill under pressure, noting that this was not his first impressive performance in IPL playoff matches. The veteran spinner emphasized that the Karnataka batter's consistent displays in crucial games make him a strong contender for the No. 4 position in India's limited-overs lineup. Patidar's ability to handle both spin and pace effectively during the innings particularly impressed Ashwin, who pointed out the lack of bouncers tested against him by the Gujarat Titans bowlers.
Prior to this knock, Shreyas Iyer was considered slightly ahead in the race for selection, but Ashwin believes Patidar has now drawn level with the Punjab Kings captain. The RCB skipper's leadership and batting contributions have added significant weight to his credentials, especially as he aims to guide his team to another IPL title. Ashwin stressed that if Patidar helps RCB defend their championship, it would be imperative for the selectors to give him an opportunity in the national setup rather than limiting discussions to mere speculation.
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The fight for middle-order spots in India's T20I side has intensified with Patidar making a compelling push through his performances. In 14 matches during the IPL 2026 season, he has amassed 486 runs at an exceptional strike rate of 196.76, surpassing several established middle-order batters, including Heinrich Klaasen and Shreyas Iyer. His aggressive approach and big-hitting ability have made him a standout performer for RCB, enhancing his visibility ahead of international assignments.
Ashwin noted that while Shreyas Iyer remains in contention, Patidar's form coinciding with his captaincy and playoff success creates a strong argument for inclusion. The former India off-spinner advocated for rewarding current form and impact in high-pressure situations, suggesting that overlooking such performances would be unjust. This endorsement from a respected figure like Ashwin could influence the selection committee's thinking as they prepare the squad for the Ireland and England T20I series.
The developments reflect the competitive nature of India's T20I team selection, where consistent domestic and league performances often open doors for emerging or in-form players. As RCB prepares for the IPL final, all eyes remain on Patidar's continued contributions and how his exploits translate into national recognition under the Agarkar-led panel. The coming weeks are expected to clarify whether his stellar showings earn him the much-desired India call-up.
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