Rajat Patidar becomes threat to Shreyas Iyer as legendary cricketer makes bold T – Rajat Patidar Threatens Shreyas Iyer’s Spot After Ashwin’s Bold India Call

The race for India’s middle-order spots has intensified significantly following the conclusion of the high-stakes Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 Qualifier 1. Legendary Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has made a strong and authoritative case for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) captain Rajat Patidar to earn a recall to the national side. Ashwin’s comments follow a sensational, match-winning performance by Patidar that has shifted the selection dynamics, putting immense pressure on established players like Shreyas Iyer.

Patidar’s Dharamshala Masterclass Defeats Gujarat Titans

During the crucial Qualifier 1 clash at the scenic Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamshala, Rajat Patidar played a captain’s knock that will be remembered for years. Facing Shubman Gill’s Gujarat Titans (GT), the RCB skipper blasted an unbeaten 93 runs off just 33 deliveries. His blistering innings guided Royal Challengers Bengaluru to a clinical 92-run victory, securing their spot in the grand final.

With this commanding victory, RCB is now just one win away from successfully defending the IPL title they won in 2025—a landmark achievement that broke an 18-year championship jinx. While RCB boasts a lineup filled with global superstars like Virat Kohli, Patidar has quietly but effectively led from the front. His match-defining 93* served as the hallmark of his phenomenal current form, asserting his credentials as a premier short-format batsman.

Ravichandran Ashwin Demands Selector Action

Following this spectacular playoff performance, Ravichandran Ashwin took to his YouTube channel to strongly advocate for Patidar’s reintegration into the national team. The veteran spinner expressed that failing to discuss Patidar’s inclusion would represent a significant oversight by the national selection committee.

“There must be a discussion. If it doesn’t happen, then something is wrong,” Ashwin stated bluntly. He highlighted Patidar’s ability to rise to the occasion in high-pressure matches, adding, “Rajat Patidar played an important knock, but this is not the first time; he has a great record in Qualifiers.”

The Selection Debate: Rajat Patidar vs. Shreyas Iyer

One of the most intriguing aspects of Ashwin’s analysis was his direct comparison between Patidar and Shreyas Iyer. Iyer, widely recognized as one of the most successful and impactful captains in IPL history, was previously considered to be ahead in the pecking order for Team India. However, Patidar’s leadership and batting exploits have rapidly closed that gap.

Ashwin noted that while Iyer remains a strong contender, Patidar’s recent performance against both spin and pace has elevated him to the same tier. “Before this knock, Shreyas Iyer was a little ahead of Patidar. But after today’s knock, Rajat Patidar is right up there,” Ashwin explained. “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 further elaborated on the dynamics of the selection battle, referencing Iyer’s situation. “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,” Ashwin added.

Patidar’s Campaign Stats and International Status

Statistically, Patidar has been a cornerstone of RCB’s success this season. Operating as the team’s captain and middle-order anchor, he has claimed 86 runs across 13 innings. While that aggregate reflects a highly specific role in the lineup, his extraordinary strike rate of 196.76 highlights his ability to shift momentum instantly, making him the second-highest run-getter for RCB in this campaign.

At the international level, Patidar has represented India in three Test matches and one One-Day International (ODI). His last appearance for the national team was during the Test series against England, held from February 23–26, 2024, at the JSCA International Stadium Complex in Ranchi. Given his current run of form and his demonstrated ability to handle high-pressure playoff environments, Ashwin believes the time is right to bring the Madhya Pradesh batsman back into the national fold.

Conclusion: A Selection Headache for Team India

As Royal Challengers Bengaluru prepare for the IPL 2026 final with the hope of securing back-to-back titles, the spotlight remains firmly on Rajat Patidar. With backing from a respected figure like Ravichandran Ashwin, Patidar has officially thrown down the gauntlet to Shreyas Iyer and other middle-order hopefuls. Whether the national selectors act on Ashwin’s advice remains to be seen, but Patidar’s current trajectory makes him impossible to ignore.