Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) captain Rajat Patidar has delivered a straightforward response regarding his chances of earning a place in India's squad for the upcoming T20I assignments, making it clear that his entire focus remains on helping RCB defend their Indian Premier League (IPL) crown.
With RCB preparing to take on Gujarat Titans (GT) in the IPL 2026 final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, Patidar was asked whether he was thinking about a possible national team recall following his impressive performances this season. However, the skipper brushed aside the topic with a blunt answer.
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Rajat Patidar shuts down India selection talks ahead of IPL 2026 final
Ahead of the summit clash against GT, Patidar was questioned about the possibility of being selected for India's upcoming white-ball tours of Ireland and England.
The RCB skipper made it clear that representing India was not something occupying his thoughts at the moment.
"No, I am not looking forward to the possibility of getting selected for those tours."
Rajat Patidar has been one of RCB's standout performers this season and recently produced a match-winning, unbeaten 93 against GT in Qualifier 1 to help his side secure a direct berth in the IPL 2026 final.
Despite the growing calls for his inclusion in the national setup, the 33-year-old insisted that his focus remains solely on the task at hand rather than any potential opportunities beyond the IPL.
His response reflects the calm and composed mindset that has defined his leadership throughout RCB's successful campaign.
Patidar focused on ending RCB's title wait with another IPL trophy
The RCB captain also downplayed the prospect of joining an elite list of IPL captains who have won back-to-back titles.
If Patidar guides RCB to victory against GT, he would become only the third captain in IPL history, after MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma, to defend an IPL title successfully.
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However, Patidar revealed that such records do not motivate him.
"I don't think about these things. Who has done what before me, I am not competing with anyone. I live in the moment. I am only focusing on tomorrow's game."
Rajat Patidar also acknowledged that RCB may enjoy a slight advantage heading into the final after receiving additional rest following their Qualifier 1 victory, while GT had to battle through Qualifier 2 to secure their place in the title clash.