The battle for India’s No. 4 spot in international T20 cricket is growing more intense, and Royal Challengers Bengaluru captain Rajat Patidar is making a strong case for a national selection call-up. The right-handed batter has been putting pressure on the Ajit Agarkar-led selection panel with performances that simply refuse to be overlooked, particularly with the next India assignment set to include matches against Ireland and England. On Tuesday, Patidar delivered a statement innings—remaining unbeaten on 93 in Qualifier 1 versus Gujarat Titans—to propel the defending champions into yet another IPL final.
Patidar’s match-winning 93 lifts RCB to the final
Patidar’s knock came in a high-stakes chase-or-pressurise moment as RCB booked their place in the title match. His innings was built with authority, featuring five boundaries and nine sixes. The impact of the effort was recognised as he was named Player of the Match for his unbeaten 93, a contribution that ensured RCB kept their season on track in Dharamsala.
Ashwin calls for a real selection conversation
Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin was visibly impressed by Patidar’s approach and demeanour in a game of such magnitude. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ash Ki Baat, the 32-year-old suggested that the time has come to actively include Patidar’s name in India’s selection discussions.
- Ashwin said there “must be a discussion,” arguing that if it does not happen, something is off.
- He pointed out that Patidar’s knock was not just another isolated performance, highlighting that the batter has a strong record in qualifiers.
- Ashwin noted that before this innings, Shreyas Iyer had been slightly ahead of Patidar, but after the 93* display, Patidar has moved right up there.
- He added that while people know Patidar’s effectiveness against spin, the innings also showed he could handle pace well.
- Ashwin remarked it was surprising that no Gujarat Titans bowler tested Patidar with the bouncer.
‘Give him chance’ if Patidar can help RCB repeat
Ashwin’s argument went beyond the single knock. He believes that if Patidar and RCB manage to win the IPL again, it becomes even more important to reward his form with an opportunity in India’s Ireland and England squad.
In his view, the ideal scenario would have been if Shreyas Iyer’s excellent run of form had aligned with Punjab Kings reaching the playoffs, but he still sees Iyer as in contention. Even so, Ashwin framed Patidar’s captaincy role and the way he guided RCB to the final as reasons selection should move from talk to action.
- Ashwin said Shreyas Iyer remains in contention, even though Patidar has closed the gap.
- He argued that reaching the final with such an innings strengthens the case for Patidar.
- He stressed that it is not enough to merely discuss inclusion—there should be a real chance given.
- He connected that idea to the possibility of RCB defending the title, saying it would make the decision even more significant.
IPL season numbers underline Patidar’s push
Patidar’s selection momentum is backed by eye-catching returns in the IPL 2026 campaign. In the 14 matches he has played so far, he has amassed 486 runs at a strike rate of 196.76. Ashwin’s point about Patidar’s strike ability and versatility is further reinforced when his T20 numbers are compared with other middle-order batters.
- Patidar: 486 runs in 14 IPL 2026 matches, strike rate 196.76.
- His strike rate in the 19th edition has been higher than Heinrich Klaasen (159.47) and Shreyas Iyer (168.81).
