Rajat Patidar set to earn India selection call, claims Virender Sehwag – Rajat Patidar Set for India T20I Call-Up, Declares Virender Sehwag

The Meteoric Rise of Rajat Patidar in IPL 2026

The ongoing IPL 2026 has witnessed some extraordinary individual performances, but none have been quite as impactful as the campaign led by Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) captain Rajat Patidar. The right-handed batter has been in sensational form, leading the defending champions from the front with remarkable consistency and devastating power. His stellar performances have not only put RCB on the brink of another title but have also caught the attention of cricketing legends. Former Indian opening batsman Virender Sehwag has made a bold prediction regarding Patidar, stating that a national call-up to India’s T20I squad is just around the corner.

The Dharamshala Masterclass: Qualifier 1 Dominance

Rajat Patidar’s crowning moment of the season came during the high-stakes Qualifier 1 clash against the Gujarat Titans in Dharamshala on May 26. Walking into a high-pressure situation, the RCB captain played a record-breaking knock of an unbeaten 93 runs off just 33 balls. Batting at a jaw-dropping strike rate of 281.81, Patidar completely dismantled the Gujarat Titans’ bowling attack, hitting boundaries and clearing the ropes with ease. His explosive innings guided Royal Challengers Bengaluru to a mammoth total of 254/5, marking the highest-ever team total in IPL playoff history.

In response, the Gujarat Titans crumbled under the pressure of the massive chase. The Titans were bowled out for a mere 162 runs, allowing RCB to seal a comfortable victory and storm directly into the IPL 2026 final. Patidar’s blistering knock was the clear difference-maker, establishing him as one of the most destructive middle-order batters in the tournament. Throughout IPL 2026, the RCB skipper has compiled 486 runs across 13 innings at an impressive average of over 44 and an incredibly high strike rate of nearly 197.

Virender Sehwag Decodes Patidar’s Composure and Skill

Virender Sehwag was highly impressed by the tactical maturity and mental fortitude displayed by Patidar during Qualifier 1. Speaking on Cricbuzz, the legendary opener highlighted how the RCB captain managed a crisis early in his innings before launching a full-scale assault on the opposition bowlers. When Patidar walked out to bat, RCB had just lost two wickets in the very same over, putting them on the back foot. However, instead of retreating into a defensive shell, Patidar assessed the conditions and handled the situation perfectly.

Sehwag praised Patidar’s ability to structure his innings and execute calculated risks. He noted: ‘When he had come 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. He hit sixes in every direction; those were calculated hits. He knows what his strengths are; he waits for the ball. I am saying that the Indian team is not far away at all.’ Sehwag further emphasized that Patidar’s impeccable shot selection and immense confidence under immense pressure show that he is fully prepared for the international T20I arena.

A Selector’s Headache: Mohit Sharma Echoes Call for India Selection

Sehwag is not the only prominent cricketing voice backing Patidar for international honors. Former Indian pacer Mohit Sharma, who represented the Gujarat Titans in the tournament, agreed that the RCB skipper is making an undeniable case for a spot in the national side. With the Indian team scheduled to play T20I series against Ireland, England, and Zimbabwe in the coming months, Patidar’s rich vein of form presents a welcome selection dilemma for the national selectors.

Speaking alongside Sehwag during the same discussion, Mohit Sharma expressed his admiration for Patidar’s recent performances, while pondering how the selectors will accommodate him in a highly competitive Indian setup. ‘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?’ Mohit remarked. Patidar’s ability to anchor an innings and accelerate at a strike rate of nearly 200 makes him an incredibly attractive option for India’s T20I middle order.

Looking Ahead: Sehwag Warns RCB Against Overconfidence

While Royal Challengers Bengaluru have successfully secured their place in the IPL 2026 final, Virender Sehwag has issued a strong warning to the team against complacency. RCB will have to wait to find out their final opponent, as Gujarat Titans are set to face the winner of the Eliminator match between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Rajasthan Royals (scheduled for May 27) in Qualifier 2. The grand finale will take place at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on May 31.

Sehwag pointed out that RCB holds a distinct logistical and physical advantage heading into the final, but they must utilize it wisely. Because they qualified directly, RCB will have two full days to practice and acclimatize to the conditions in Ahmedabad. In contrast, the team qualifying from Qualifier 2 will have to travel on their designated break day without getting an opportunity to practice on the final pitch. Sehwag noted: ‘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 2 days. The other team that will qualify for the final will not even get a chance to practice there, because they will have to travel on their break day. Also, RCB have played at that ground so many times, and have won the title there also.’ With a potential second consecutive title on the line, Patidar and his team will look to convert this preparation advantage into ultimate glory.