Rajat Patidar becomes threat to Shreyas Iyer as legendary cricketer makes bold T – Rajat Patidar Emerges as Threat to Shreyas Iyer: Ashwin’s Bold Selection Call
The race for spots in the Indian national cricket team has intensified following a spectacular showcase of talent in the IPL playoffs. Leading the conversation is Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) captain Rajat Patidar, whose recent batting masterclass has caught the attention of fans and experts alike. Among his strongest advocates is veteran Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, who believes Patidar’s sensational form makes him a direct threat to established players like Shreyas Iyer for a place in the national squad.
Patidar’s match-winning performance in Qualifier 1 has not only propelled his franchise into another IPL final but has also ignited a crucial debate regarding India’s middle-order selection. With national selectors constantly monitoring top performers, Ashwin’s public backing of the RCB skipper adds significant weight to Patidar’s case for an international recall.
The Dharamshala Carnage: Patidar’s 93* Off 33 Balls
The catalyst for this renewed selection debate was Rajat Patidar’s breathtaking innings against Gujarat Titans (GT) in the IPL 2026 Qualifier 1. Playing at the picturesque Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamshala on May 26, the RCB captain put on a clinic of aggressive T20 batting. Patidar blasted an unbeaten 93 runs off just 33 deliveries, dismantling the GT bowling attack and guiding his team to a commanding 92-run victory.
This clinical performance secured RCB’s place in the final, putting them just one victory away from defending the championship title they won in 2025. It was a captain’s knock in every sense of the word. While RCB boasts an array of global superstars, including the legendary Virat Kohli, Patidar has often flown under the radar of casual cricket fans. However, his consistent exploits in high-pressure games are making it impossible to overlook his contributions any longer.
Ravichandran Ashwin Advocates for Patidar’s Return
Following the spectacular Qualifier 1 victory, Ravichandran Ashwin took to his YouTube channel to voice his strong support for Patidar. The former Chennai Super Kings (CSK) spinner was emphatic that the national selectors must have a serious conversation about reintegrating Patidar into the Indian setup.
“There must be a discussion. If it doesn’t happen, then something is wrong,” Ashwin stated bluntly. He highlighted Patidar’s big-match temperament, noting that this was far from a one-off performance. “Rajat Patidar played an important knock, but this is not the first time; he has a great record in Qualifiers.”
Patidar has previously represented India in three Test matches and a solitary One Day International (ODI). His last appearance in the national colors was during a Test match against England from February 23 to 26, 2024, at the JSCA International Stadium Complex in Ranchi. Since then, he has worked his way back into peak form, culminating in this outstanding IPL campaign where he has claimed 86 runs across 13 innings at an astonishing strike rate of 196.76, ranking as the second-highest run-scorer for RCB this season.
The Shreyas Iyer Comparison: A New Contender Emerges
What makes Ashwin’s assessment particularly intriguing is his direct comparison between Rajat Patidar and Shreyas Iyer. Iyer is widely regarded as one of the most impactful and successful leaders and middle-order batters in the IPL. Before Qualifier 1, Ashwin admitted that Iyer held the upper hand in the race for national selection. However, Patidar’s recent exploits 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,” Ashwin analyzed. He pointed out how Patidar has evolved as a batsman, showing that he is no longer just a spin specialist. “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 also touched upon Shreyas Iyer’s situation, suggesting that Iyer’s contention would have been stronger had his form coincided with a playoff run for Punjab Kings (PBKS). “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,” the veteran spinner added.
A Captain Leading from the Front
Beyond his individual batting brilliance, Patidar’s leadership has been a revelation for RCB. Stepping into the captaincy role, he has successfully managed a high-profile squad and kept them on course to defend their title. Leading a team to consecutive finals after breaking an 18-year championship jinx in 2025 is a monumental achievement that demands recognition.
If Patidar can guide RCB to another title victory, his resume will become virtually undeniable for the national selectors. The ability to perform under the intense pressure of IPL playoffs while successfully leading a franchise is a rare quality. As India prepares for upcoming international assignments, the selectors will face a tough but welcome headache in choosing between the proven pedigree of Shreyas Iyer and the irresistible, high-impact form of Rajat Patidar.
