Rajat Patidar becomes threat to Shreyas Iyer as legendary cricketer makes bold T – Rajat Patidar’s Rise: Ravichandran Ashwin Calls for India Selection

The Emergence of a New Middle-Order Stalwart

The landscape of Indian cricket is perpetually shifting, and the latest IPL season has unearthed a compelling narrative surrounding Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) captain Rajat Patidar. Following his magnificent, unbeaten 93-run performance off just 33 balls against the Gujarat Titans in the Qualifier 1 match held at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamshala, the conversation regarding national selection has intensified. Among those leading the discourse is seasoned campaigner and spin wizard Ravichandran Ashwin.

Ashwin, renowned for his astute cricketing brain, has publicly opined that Patidar’s current form demands an immediate discussion among the national selectors. This comes as RCB, the defending champions of 2025, inches closer to a consecutive title, a feat that would mark a historic era for the franchise.

Patidar’s Impact Beyond the Headlines

While stars like Virat Kohli often dominate the media cycle, Patidar has quietly evolved into the backbone of the RCB batting lineup. His ability to anchor the innings while maintaining a high strike rate has been pivotal. In the current campaign, he has amassed 86 runs across 13 innings with a blistering strike rate of 196.76, cementing his position as the second-highest run-getter for his team. His performance in high-pressure playoff environments has further solidified his reputation as a big-match player.

Reflecting on these heroics, Ashwin emphasized the necessity of a formal evaluation of Patidar’s international potential. “There must be a discussion. If it doesn’t happen, then something is wrong. Rajat Patidar played an important knock, but this is not the first time; he has a great record in Qualifiers,” Ashwin noted on his digital platform.

The Battle for the Middle-Order Spot: Patidar vs. Iyer

The inclusion of Patidar in the national setup creates an intriguing dilemma, specifically regarding his standing against Shreyas Iyer. For long, Iyer has been a mainstay and a highly successful IPL captain, often viewed as the primary candidate for middle-order stability. However, the dynamics have shifted significantly following the Qualifier 1 result.

Ashwin, while acknowledging Iyer’s pedigree, suggests that the gap between the two has closed significantly. “Before this knock, Shreyas Iyer was a little ahead of Patidar. But after today’s knock, Rajat Patidar is right up there. 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 observed.

A Proven Record and Future Ambitions

Rajat Patidar’s international journey has been limited thus far, with only three Tests and one ODI to his name. His last appearance for the ‘Men in Blue’ came during the Test series against England in February 2024. However, the maturity he has displayed while captaining RCB under immense pressure suggests he is a far more complete player today than he was during his previous stint at the international level.

Ashwin remains firm in his conviction that leadership and performance in the IPL playoffs should weigh heavily on the selectors’ minds. “If Shreyas Iyer’s amazing form coincided with PBKS making it to the playoffs, it would have been ideal. 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,” he added.

Conclusion: Is the Door Opening?

The call for Patidar’s inclusion is not merely reactionary; it is based on the technical evolution of a player who has shown he can dominate both spin and pace in various conditions. As the Indian cricket team continues to look for versatile middle-order options, Patidar’s form, leadership capabilities, and temperament in high-stakes matches make him an unavoidable subject for the selection committee. Whether the selectors will move to draft him back into the fold remains to be seen, but the momentum is undoubtedly in his favor.