Rajat Patidar set to earn India selection call, claims Virender Sehwag – Virender Sehwag Backs Rajat Patidar for India Call-up After IPL Heroics
The Rise of a New T20 Star
In the high-stakes environment of the Indian Premier League, few players have managed to capture the imagination of fans and experts quite like Rajat Patidar during the 2026 season. As the captain of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), Patidar has transformed into a T20 behemoth, leading the defending champions with a rare combination of composure and sheer destructive power.
His performances have not gone unnoticed by the legends of the game. Most notably, former Indian opening batter Virender Sehwag has publicly declared that Patidar is knocking on the doors of the Indian national T20I side. Sehwag’s endorsement comes at a time when the Indian team is looking to solidify its middle order for upcoming international assignments against Ireland, England, and Zimbabwe.
A Record-Breaking Qualifier Performance
Patidar’s credentials for national selection were solidified during the Qualifier 1 clash against the Gujarat Titans in Dharamshala. Facing a precarious situation where his team had lost two quick wickets, the right-hander showcased maturity beyond his years. He anchored the innings before launching an offensive that left the opposition bowling attack shell-shocked.
The statistics from that innings were staggering: an unbeaten 93 off just 33 balls, boasting a strike rate of 281.81. This effort propelled RCB to a historic total of 254/5, the highest ever recorded in an IPL playoff match. His ability to hit boundaries in every direction while remaining calculated under pressure is exactly what the Indian selectors look for in modern-day finishers.
Sehwag’s Insight into Patidar’s Craft
Virender Sehwag, known for his own aggressive style of play, expressed deep admiration for how Patidar approaches his game. Speaking on Cricbuzz, the former opener highlighted the RCB captain’s tactical awareness. “When he came into bat, two wickets had fallen in the same over. From there, he handled the situation, structured his innings, and then completely wreaked havoc in the end,” Sehwag noted. He further emphasized that Patidar’s hits were not just wild swings, but calculated decisions based on his deep understanding of his own strengths.
“I am saying that the Indian team is not far away at all,” Sehwag added, citing Patidar’s shot selection and confidence as the primary indicators of his readiness for international cricket.
The Challenge of National Selection
While the praise from Sehwag is significant, others within the cricket fraternity share the sentiment. Former Indian pacer Mohit Sharma, who observed Patidar’s form firsthand during the IPL, acknowledged that the RCB skipper is creating a genuine dilemma for the national selectors. With a busy schedule ahead, the question remains: how will the team management create space for a talent as explosive as Patidar?
Mohit Sharma noted, “He is batting brilliantly. Now the question for him is how do you run things in the future? How can you play for India? How will the space be created?” These are questions the BCCI selectors will likely have to answer in the coming weeks.
Staying Focused on the Title
Despite the individual accolades and the buzz surrounding his potential national debut, Patidar remains focused on the immediate task: the IPL 2026 final. Sehwag has issued a timely warning to the RCB camp, urging them to avoid complacency. The legend believes that RCB possesses a strategic advantage by having extra time to prepare for the final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
“They can’t afford to relax just because they are in the final. They will have to prepare for it. It is their benefit that they will be able to practice there for two days,” Sehwag advised. He pointed out that while the opponent waits for the outcome of the Eliminator, RCB should utilize their familiarity with the Ahmedabad ground, where they have previously secured title glory.
As the tournament reaches its thrilling conclusion, the cricket world will be watching closely—not just to see if RCB lifts the trophy again, but to see if this is the moment Rajat Patidar transitions from an IPL hero to a staple of the Indian national team.
