Rajat Patidar becomes threat to Shreyas Iyer as legendary cricketer makes bold T – Rajat Patidar’s Rise: Ashwin Backs RCB Star Over Shreyas Iyer for India Call-up

Aditya Rao · 27/05/2026 · 4 min read

The Rise of a New Indian Cricket Star

The landscape of Indian cricket is perpetually shifting, and the current Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season has brought a new name to the forefront of the national conversation. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) captain Rajat Patidar has effectively announced his arrival as a premier match-winner, and veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin is leading the chorus of those calling for his inclusion in the Indian national squad.

Ashwin’s strong endorsement follows Patidar’s masterclass in the Qualifier 1 match held on May 26 at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamshala. Facing off against Shubman Gill’s Gujarat Titans, Patidar unleashed a blistering, unbeaten 93-run knock off a mere 33 balls, guiding RCB to a clinical 92-run victory and securing their spot in the final.

Patidar’s Dominance in High-Stakes Cricket

RCB, the defending champions from 2025, are now just one victory away from securing back-to-back titles—a feat the franchise has chased for nearly 18 years. While star power at RCB often centers around figures like Virat Kohli, it is the consistency and aggression of Patidar that have been the catalyst for their recent success. His 93-run innings was not merely a highlight; it was a statement of intent.

Statistically, Patidar has been a revelation this season. Having accumulated 86 runs across 13 innings at a staggering strike rate of 196.76, he has firmly established himself as the second-highest run-getter for his team. His ability to anchor the middle order while maintaining an aggressive tempo has made him an invaluable asset to the RCB setup.

The Ashwin Perspective: Why a National Recall is Essential

Ravichandran Ashwin, speaking on his YouTube channel, expressed that the national selectors must initiate a discussion regarding Patidar’s international future. Patidar has previously represented India in three Tests and one ODI, with his last appearance coming during the home series against England in February 2024. Ashwin believes that current form must outweigh legacy reputations.

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“There must be a discussion. If it doesn’t happen, then something is wrong,” Ashwin noted. “Rajat Patidar played an important knock, but this is not the first time; he has a great record in Qualifiers.”

Patidar vs. Shreyas Iyer: A New Selection Dilemma

Perhaps the most significant aspect of Ashwin’s commentary is his direct comparison between Patidar and Shreyas Iyer. Previously, Iyer—known for his leadership and technical proficiency—was considered ahead in the pecking order. However, the current momentum has swung firmly in favor of the RCB skipper.

Ashwin explained the shift in logic: “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.”

The veteran spinner further elaborated on the necessity of rewarding leadership and performance. “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.”

What Lies Ahead

The conversation surrounding the national team selection is always intense, but the emergence of a player like Patidar, who can command the crease and dismantle bowling attacks in high-pressure playoff environments, presents a compelling case for the selectors. As RCB prepares for the final, all eyes will be on their captain to see if he can replicate his heroics on the biggest stage of all.

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The debate is no longer just about talent; it is about current form, temperament, and the ability to thrive under the spotlight. Whether or not the selectors choose to pivot toward Patidar remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: his performance has made it impossible to ignore his case for the Men in Blue.

Aditya Rao

Aditya Rao is a senior cricket correspondent for Hindustan Times, known for his unflinching deep dives into the corridors of Indian cricket governance and the forgotten tiers of the domestic game. A graduate of Jamia Millia Islamia and a trained investigative journalist, Aditya brings a policy-level rigour rarely seen on the sports pages. His expertise lies in bridging the gap between the Test match purist and the systemic realities of the modern game—covering everything from Ranji Trophy structural reforms to the economics of player development in India’s hinterlands. He has broken several major stories on administrative overhauls and has profiled dozens of unsung players from India’s age‑group pathways. A recipient of the Ramnath Goenka Award and a trusted voice for accountability in sport, Aditya continues to write with a belief that a robust cricketing culture depends as much on sound governance as it does on a solid cover drive.