Rajat Patidar's T20I Exclusion Explained Amid IPL Success

Rajat Patidar, the captain of Royal Challengers Bengaluru, has led his team to two IPL titles but remains absent from the T20I squad. Aakash Chopra discusses the reasons behind this decision, highlighting the current team dynamics and the competition for spots. Despite his impressive IPL statistics, including 501 runs at a strike rate of 192.69, Patidar's future in the national team remains uncertain. This article delves into his career trajectory and the challenges he faces in securing a place in the T20I lineup.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 6, 2026, 18:02 IST

Rajat Patidar's IPL Triumph and T20I Absence

Despite leading the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) to their first IPL title in 2025 and a second consecutive win in 2026, Rajat Patidar has not received a call-up to the T20I squad. Under his captaincy, RCB triumphed over Punjab Kings in the 2025 final and defeated Gujarat Titans in 2026. Patidar's impressive performance included 501 runs across 14 innings, boasting a remarkable strike rate of 192.69, with 42 sixes and 30 fours. However, his stellar IPL performance has not translated into a T20I selection.

Former cricketer Aakash Chopra discussed Patidar's situation on his YouTube channel, explaining that the current team composition leaves little room for him. He noted that with established players like Shreyas Iyer at No. 4 and vice-captain Tilak Varma at No. 5, along with Shivam Dube at No. 6, it would be challenging to fit Patidar into the lineup without dropping someone significant. Chopra expressed confidence that Patidar would eventually get his chance, emphasizing that it would depend on future team changes.

Overview of Rajat Patidar's Career

Rajat Patidar made his debut for India in the ODI series against South Africa in 2023, scoring 22 runs in his only match. He later debuted in Test cricket during the home series against England in 2024 but struggled, accumulating just 63 runs in six innings before being dropped. Despite his achievements as a two-time IPL-winning captain, he has yet to make an appearance in the T20I format.