Ravichandran Ashwin feels that Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) skipper Rajat Patidar deserved to make a comeback into the Indian team on the back of his stunning IPL 2026 performances. The right-handed batter has featured in three Tests and one ODI so far in his career.
The former India spinner’s comments came after Patidar’s blistering 93*-run knock off just 33 balls in RCB’s clinical 92-run win over Gujarat Titans (GT) in IPL 2026 Qualifier 1 on Tuesday, May 26. He pointed out that the 32-year-old has consistently done well in high-pressure matches, and there must be a discussion about his inclusion in the national team.
Ashwin remarked in his latest YouTube video:
“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.”
Patidar has played a key role in RCB’s success in IPL 2026. He is the team’s second-highest run-scorer of the season, amassing 486 runs across 13 innings at a strike rate of 196.76.
“But after today’s knock, Rajat Patidar is right up there” – R Ashwin compares RCB skipper to Shreyas Iyer
R Ashwin further stated that Punjab Kings (PBKS) captain was ahead of Rajat Patidar in the pecking order before the Qualifier 1 clash. However, he suggested that the Madhya Pradesh batter was now right up there with Iyer following his heroics against GT.
The Indian spin legend said in the same video:
“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.”
Ashwin opined that Iyer would have made a stronger case had PBKS qualified for the playoffs.
“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,” he added.
RCB booked a place in the IPL 2026 final with their dominant win over GT. The summit clash will take place at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday, May 31.
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Edited by Aditya Suketu Desai
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