The battle for India\u2019s 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\u2014remaining unbeaten on 93 in Qualifier 1 versus Gujarat Titans\u2014to propel the defending champions into yet another IPL final.<\/p>\n
Patidar\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin was visibly impressed by Patidar\u2019s 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\u2019s name in India\u2019s selection discussions.<\/p>\n
Ashwin\u2019s 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\u2019s Ireland and England squad.<\/p>\n
In his view, the ideal scenario would have been if Shreyas Iyer\u2019s 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\u2019s captaincy role and the way he guided RCB to the final as reasons selection should move from talk to action.<\/p>\n
Patidar\u2019s 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\u2019s point about Patidar\u2019s strike ability and versatility is further reinforced when his T20 numbers are compared with other middle-order batters.<\/p>\n
The battle for India\u2019s No. 4 spot in international T20 cricket is growing more intense, and Royal Challengers Bengaluru captain Rajat Patidar is making a…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":12628,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_yoast_wpseo_title":"Rajat Patidar No.4 push: IPL impact & India T20 call-up","_yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Rajat Patidar\u2019s No.4 India push gathers momentum as Ashwin backs his IPL form, setting the stage for Ireland and England selection calls.","footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-12629","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-ipl"],"yoast_head":"\n