3 reasons why Rajat Patidar must be considered for India’s T20I team after IPL 2026

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) skipper Rajat Patidar played an absolutely terrific knock in the first Qualifier of IPL 2026 against the Gujarat Titans (GT). The defending champions crushed GT by 92 runs to enter their second consecutive IPL final.

Rajat Patidar has had a brilliant season so far, both with the bat and as captain. RCB finished at the top of the table after the league stage, being one of the most consistent teams. For his leadership and unbelievable batting approach, several experts have backed the Bengaluru skipper to make it to the Indian T20I team.

Patidar made his international debut in 2023 in an ODI against South Africa. However, it has been his only game in the format so far. He has also played three Tests, having debuted in 2024.

The star batter has yet to play a T20I, and here are three reasons why Rajat Patidar must be considered for the format post the IPL 2026.

#3 Middle-order proficiency and killer intent

Rajat Patidar has had an outstanding IPL 2026 season with the bat. He has scored 486 runs from 13 innings at an average of 44.18 and a strike rate of 196.76 to go with five half-centuries.

While several Indian batters have scored more runs at high strike rates this season, it is worth noting that Patidar has performed extremely well while batting at number four, outside the top three. Batting with the field open and outside the powerplay, he has displayed his proficiency in the middle-order, maintaining an attacking style of play and intent throughout the season.

Labelled as a spin basher, the RCB captain has levelled his game, taking on the pacers as well and smashing them for boundaries at will. Given the brand of cricket India have displayed in T20Is in recent times, Patidar certainly fits the bill, showing a fearless approach and mindset in the middle-order.

#2 Big-match temperament

Since his sparkling hundred against the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in the IPL 2022 Eliminator, Rajat Patidar has made it clear that he is a player with the nerves for the big occasion.

The RCB skipper stood up once again in the first Qualifier against GT this season, slamming an unbeaten 93 off just 33 balls, which set the tone for a massive victory. Patidar has an insanely unbelievable record in IPL playoffs, scoring 338 runs from six innings at a scintillating average of 112.66 and a jaw-dropping strike rate of 193.14, including a century and two half-centuries.

His average and strike rate in IPL playoffs is the most for any batter in the history of the league. Time and again, Rajat Patidar has shown that he possesses the big-match temperament, often delivering under pressure on the biggest of occasions.

#1 Proven leadership abilities

While Suryakumar Yadav is the current Indian T20I skipper, Rajat Patidar could be his perfect successor, being a solid replacement at the number four spot. He not only led RCB to their maiden IPL title in 2025, ending the drought, but also previously led Madhya Pradesh to the final of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) in 2024.

This IPL season, he has taken RCB to the final once again, displaying his leadership abilities. Since Patidar has taken over as captain, the defending champions have won 19 out of 27 matches, displaying unmatched consistency. He boasts a stunning win percentage of 70.37%.

Beyond the numbers, Rajat Patidar has shown calmness and tactical excellence as skipper under immense pressure. While leading a franchise with the burden of massive expectations in a high-profile league is not easy, Patidar has stepped up and taken the responsibility. Moreover, he has displayed his skills in handling a team with several experienced stars and big names.

He is also on the verge of joining Rohit Sharma and MS Dhoni in an elite club as the only captains to win back-to-back IPL titles.