Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) skipper Rajat Patidar on May 26 shed the title of ‘spin-basher’ and punished Gujarat Titans (GT) pacers as they lacked assistance in batting-friendly conditions of Dharamsala’s HPCA Stadium in Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 Qualifier 1. India’s legendary off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin says Patidar’s blazing 33-ball 93 has made him hard to ignore for Team India selectors and put him in the same league as Punjab Kings (PBKS) skipper Shreyas Iyer. He pointed out at Patidar’s playoffs records.
“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 said.
However, he wondered why GT bowlers didn’t try to trouble him with bouncers.
“Before this knock, Shreyas Iyer was a little ahead of Rajat 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,” he said.
While Ashwin still believes that Iyer is contention for comeback but his chances would’ve improved had PBKS made it to the playoffs. He wants Patidar to be given a chance given he has led RCB to two consecutive IPL finals.
“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 short international stint
Patidar made his ODI debut in 2023 on South African soil. He scored a 16-ball 22 and hasn't played a single ODI game since. He has played three Tests and scored 63 runs with a high score of 32. He hasn't played a Test since the home series against England. He is yet to make his T20I debut.
India’s next T20I assignment -
After a one-off Test and three ODIs against Afghanistan, India will tour UK for a white-ball series including T20I series against Ireland and England. The team for the UK tour will be announced in the next few weeks.