Rajat Patidar becomes threat to Shreyas Iyer as legendary cricketer makes bold T – Rajat Patidar’s Rise: Is He Pushing Shreyas Iyer Out of Team India?
Contents
The Emergence of a New Middle-Order Powerhouse
The landscape of Indian cricket is perpetually evolving, and the latest IPL 2026 season has brought a fresh narrative to the forefront. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) captain Rajat Patidar has thrust himself into the spotlight, delivering a performance that has not only secured his team a spot in the final but has also forced the national selectors to take serious notice. His blistering, unbeaten 93-run knock off a mere 33 balls against the Gujarat Titans in Qualifier 1 served as a loud statement of his intent and capability.
A Masterclass in Dharamshala
The Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium witnessed a masterclass on May 26 as Patidar dismantled the Gujarat Titans’ bowling attack. RCB, seeking to defend their 2025 title, looked toward their skipper in a high-pressure environment, and he delivered emphatically. Leading the team to a massive 92-run victory, Patidar showcased an incredible range of strokes, proving that his ability to dominate is not limited to spin bowling, but extends to handling express pace with composure.
With this performance, Patidar has solidified his stats for the season, amassing 86 runs across 13 innings at a staggering strike rate of 196.76. While stars like Virat Kohli often dominate the headlines, Patidar’s consistency has been the silent engine behind RCB’s deep run in the tournament.
Ravichandran Ashwin’s Bold Call
Veteran spinner and cricket intellectual Ravichandran Ashwin has become a vocal proponent of Patidar’s international return. Having represented India in three Tests and one ODI, Patidar’s last international outing was against England in February 2024. Ashwin believes that ignoring such form in high-pressure playoff scenarios would be a mistake.
“There must be a discussion. If it doesn’t happen, then something is wrong,” Ashwin remarked on his YouTube channel. The seasoned cricketer emphasized that Patidar’s success in Qualifiers is a recurring theme rather than a one-off performance. Ashwin noted that while Shreyas Iyer has long been a frontrunner for the middle-order spot, the tides are shifting.
The Battle with Shreyas Iyer
The comparison between Patidar and Shreyas Iyer has become a major talking point. Iyer has built a reputation as an impactful leader and a solid middle-order stabilizer in the IPL. However, Ashwin suggests that the current trajectory of the two players makes it difficult to overlook the RCB captain. “Before this knock, Shreyas Iyer was a little ahead of Patidar. But after today’s knock, Rajat Patidar is right up there,” Ashwin stated.
The argument for Patidar is rooted in his evolution as a batter. While his prowess against spin has been well-documented, his recent demolition of the fast-bowling contingent of the Gujarat Titans highlighted a more complete game. Ashwin pointed out, “It was surprising that no GT bowler tested him with the bouncer,” hinting that Patidar has become increasingly comfortable dealing with aggressive short-pitched bowling.
What Lies Ahead for the Men in Blue?
As India looks toward future international assignments, the selection committee faces a conundrum. Does the consistency of a veteran like Shreyas Iyer take precedence, or should the explosive, current form of a leader like Patidar be rewarded? Ashwin is firm in his belief: “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.”
RCB stands just one victory away from a historic title defense—a feat that would solidify the 2026 campaign as one of the most successful in the franchise’s history. Regardless of the final result, Rajat Patidar has successfully shifted the conversation. The selectors now have a compelling case to weigh, and for a player of Patidar’s caliber, the opportunity to represent India once more seems more attainable than ever.
Ultimately, the beauty of the sport lies in these moments of ascension. Whether or not Patidar dons the blue jersey again soon, his performances in the IPL 2026 playoffs will be remembered as the moment he transitioned from a franchise reliable to a genuine national contender.
