Rajat Patidar becomes threat to Shreyas Iyer as legendary cricketer makes bold T – Rajat Patidar Threatens Shreyas Iyer’s India Spot: Ashwin’s Bold Call
Rajat Patidar Emerges as a Serious Threat to Shreyas Iyer‘s National Team Spot
The race for India’s middle-order spots is heating up, and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) skipper Rajat Patidar has thrown his hat firmly into the ring. Following a sensational, match-winning performance in the IPL 2026 Qualifier 1, former India and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has made a strong case for Patidar’s reintegration into the national side. Ashwin believes that Patidar’s recent exploits have put him on par with, if not ahead of, established players like Shreyas Iyer.
The Dharamshala Carnage: Patidar’s Masterclass Against Gujarat Titans
Rajat Patidar played a truly breathtaking innings in the high-stakes Qualifier 1 clash against Shubman Gill’s Gujarat Titans (GT) at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamshala. Coming in under pressure, the RCB captain hammered an unbeaten 93 runs off just 33 deliveries. His blistering knock propelled RCB to a clinical 92-run victory, securing their spot in the IPL 2026 final.
With this commanding win, RCB is now just one step away from defending the title they famously secured in 2025—a victory that ended an 18-year championship drought. While RCB boasts a galaxy of superstars, including the legendary Virat Kohli, Patidar has occasionally flown under the radar of mainstream cricket discussions. However, his captain’s knock in Dharamshala has made him the center of attention, proving his ability to deliver on the biggest stages.
Ashwin’s Verdict: A Selection Conversation That Must Happen
Ravichandran Ashwin, speaking on his popular YouTube channel, was emphatic about Patidar’s credentials. He asserted that the national selectors cannot afford to ignore Patidar’s performances, particularly his habit of rising to the occasion in playoff matches.
“There must be a discussion. If it doesn’t happen, then something is wrong,” Ashwin remarked. “Rajat Patidar played an important knock, but this is not the first time; he has a great record in Qualifiers.”
Ashwin pointed out that prior to this spectacular knock, Shreyas Iyer—widely regarded as one of the most impactful and successful captains in the IPL—held a slight edge in the national selection hierarchy. However, Patidar’s recent heroics have completely shifted the narrative.
“Before this knock, Shreyas Iyer was a little ahead of Patidar. But after today’s knock, Rajat Patidar is right up there,” Ashwin explained. He also analyzed Patidar’s technical adaptability during the innings, noting, “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.”
The Captaincy Factor and Middle-Order Dynamics
Patidar’s role as the leader of RCB adds another layer of gravitas to his selection case. Steering a high-profile franchise to the finals while maintaining an exceptional personal run-rate is no small feat. Throughout this campaign, Patidar has accumulated 86 runs across 13 innings. While that number might seem modest in terms of raw volume, his staggering strike rate of 196.76 highlights his role as a high-impact, rapid-scoring middle-order engine, making him the second-highest run-getter for RCB this season.
Ashwin weighed this leadership success heavily when comparing Patidar to Iyer. He suggested that if Patidar manages to lead RCB to consecutive titles, his claim for a spot in the Men in Blue squad becomes undeniable.
“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.
Patidar’s International Track Record and the Road Ahead
Rajat Patidar is no stranger to the international arena, having already represented India in three Test matches and one One-Day International (ODI). His last appearance for the national team came during the Test series against England in February 2024 at the JSCA International Stadium Complex in Ranchi. Since then, he has worked his way back into peak form through domestic cricket and the IPL.
As the selectors look to build a robust and dynamic middle-order for India’s upcoming assignments, the debate between Shreyas Iyer and Rajat Patidar is bound to intensify. If Patidar can replicate his Qualifier 1 heroics in the grand finale and secure back-to-back championships for RCB, it may well prove impossible for the selection committee to overlook him.
