Rajat Patidar set to earn India selection call, claims Virender Sehwag – Rajat Patidar Set for India T20I Selection Call, Claims Virender Sehwag
Rajat Patidar’s Golden Run in IPL 2026
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) captain Rajat Patidar has been the talk of the town in the ongoing IPL 2026. Leading the defending champions from the front, Patidar has delivered one masterclass after another. His exceptional leadership and batting prowess have not only guided his franchise to the tournament’s final but have also caught the attention of cricketing legends. Most notably, former Indian opening batsman Virender Sehwag has made a bold prediction regarding Patidar’s international future, asserting that a call-up to the Indian national T20I team is just around the corner.
The Dharamshala Storm: Qualifier 1 Fireworks
The defining moment of Rajat Patidar’s season came during the crucial Qualifier 1 clash against the Gujarat Titans in Dharamshala on May 26. Walking into a high-pressure situation, the RCB skipper played a breathtaking, record-breaking knock. Patidar remained unbeaten on 93 runs off just 33 deliveries, registering a jaw-dropping strike rate of 281.81. This explosive batting display propelled Royal Challengers Bengaluru to a massive total of 254/5, which stands as the highest-ever team total in IPL playoff history.
In response, the Gujarat Titans crumbled under the pressure of the mammoth chase. The Titans were bowled out for 162 runs, handing RCB a convincing victory and securing their ticket to the IPL 2026 final. Patidar’s ability to dominate the opposition bowlers from the word go completely took the game away from the Titans, leaving cricket analysts and fans in awe of his ball-striking ability.
Stunning Numbers of the RCB Captain
Patidar’s heroics in Qualifier 1 are not an isolated event; rather, they are the continuation of a sensational run of form throughout the IPL 2026 season. Over the course of 13 innings, the right-handed batter has amassed 486 runs. What makes this tally even more remarkable is his average of over 44 and a blistering strike rate of nearly 197.
As the captain of the defending champions, Patidar has shouldered the responsibility of the top order with immense maturity. Whether anchor or aggressor, he has seamlessly transitioned between roles depending on the match situation, proving himself to be a highly versatile T20 batsman.
Virender Sehwag Backs Patidar for India Selection
Virender Sehwag was highly impressed by how the RCB captain managed the innings in Dharamshala, particularly his composure after early setbacks. Sehwag noted that Patidar did not panic when quick wickets fell, instead choosing to assess the conditions before launching a calculated assault on the Gujarat Titans’ bowling lineup.
Speaking on Cricbuzz, Sehwag analyzed the knock: “When he had come into bat, two wickets had fallen in the same over. From there, he handled the situation, structured his innings, and then completely wreaked havoc in the end. He hit sixes in every direction; those were calculated hits. He knows what his strengths are; he waits for the ball. I am saying that the Indian team is not far away at all.”
Sehwag’s endorsement carries significant weight. He emphasized that Patidar’s shot selection, calmness under intense pressure, and supreme confidence are clear indicators that the batsman is fully prepared for the rigors of international T20I cricket.
Mohit Sharma Echoes Call-Up Sentiments
Sehwag is not alone in his assessment. Former Indian pacer Mohit Sharma, who represented the Gujarat Titans in the tournament, also shared his views during the same discussion. Sharma acknowledged that Patidar’s current form is creating a positive selection dilemma for the national selectors.
With India scheduled to play T20I series against Ireland, England, and Zimbabwe in the upcoming months, Patidar has made a compelling case for himself. Mohit Sharma remarked: “He is batting brilliantly. Now the question for him is how do you run things in the future? How can you play for India? How will the space be created?”
Sehwag’s Tactical Warning for the Finals
While RCB has secured its place in the IPL 2026 final, scheduled to take place on May 31 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, Sehwag has cautioned the team against complacency. He believes that while RCB has earned a significant logistical advantage, they must remain focused.
By qualifying directly through Qualifier 1, RCB has gained valuable extra days to prepare and adapt to the conditions in Ahmedabad. Meanwhile, their eventual opponents will have a much tighter schedule. Gujarat Titans must face the winner of the Eliminator (played between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Rajasthan Royals on May 27) in Qualifier 2 to earn the second finalist spot.
Highlighting this advantage, Sehwag stated: “They can’t afford to relax just because they are in the final. They will have to prepare for it. It is their benefit that they will be able to practice there for 2 days. The other team that will qualify for the final will not even get a chance to practice there, because they will have to travel on their break day. Also, RCB have played at that ground so many times, and have won the title there also.”
With momentum, rest, and familiarity on their side, Rajat Patidar and his Royal Challengers Bengaluru squad are well-positioned to defend their title, while the captain himself stands on the precipice of a dream national call-up.
Shaan Cooper is a cricket journalist and SEO content writer from Bengaluru who focuses on breaking cricket news, live match coverage, and player performance stories. Her writing style combines fast-paced reporting with detailed cricket knowledge tailored for digital sports platforms.
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