“Yes, of course”: Rajat Patidar replacing Suryakumar Yadav in Team India gets ap – Rajat Patidar’s Meteoric Rise: The Case for a T20I Call-Up

The Emergence of a Modern T20 Specialist

The 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) has been a testament to the evolving nature of T20 cricket, and at the heart of this transformation is Rajat Patidar. As the skipper of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), Patidar has not only led his side to a second consecutive IPL final but has also redefined what it means to be a modern-day finisher. His recent heroics in Qualifier 1 against the Gujarat Titans served as a masterclass in aggressive, calculated batting, leaving cricket pundits and fans alike in awe of his temperament.

A Match-Winning Knock for the Ages

In the high-stakes environment of a playoff match, many players falter under the pressure of expectation. Rajat Patidar, however, thrived. Scoring a blistering 93 runs off just 33 balls, he systematically dismantled one of the tournament’s most formidable bowling attacks. His innings was characterized by five crunching fours and nine towering sixes, proving that he possesses the power-hitting ability required at the international level.

What stood out most to observers was his maturity. Patidar allowed himself time to settle when early wickets fell, demonstrating the tactical awareness expected of a seasoned captain. Once the foundation was laid, he shifted gears effortlessly, changing the momentum of the game in a matter of overs. This performance didn’t just secure a win for RCB; it solidified his reputation as a big-game player.

Joining Elite Company

With this victory, RCB joined an exclusive club of franchises that have qualified for back-to-back IPL finals, placing them alongside the likes of Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians. Individually, Patidar’s Player of the Match award in the playoffs put him in esteemed company. He now shares this honor with legends including MS Dhoni, Adam Gilchrist, and Rohit Sharma, marking his transition from a promising talent to a bona fide leader.

The Call for National Selection

Patidar’s consistent brilliance has inevitably led to discussions about his future in the Indian T20I team. Former India opener Aakash Chopra has been vocal in his support, taking to social media to state that a call-up should be imminent. The argument is simple: when a player dominates the world’s toughest T20 league with such regularity, they deserve a spot on the national stage.

Ambati Rayudu, speaking on ESPNcricinfo, offered even higher praise. Rayudu suggested that Patidar should be viewed as a foundational player around whom the Indian squad is built. When posed the specific question of whether Patidar could step into the role currently occupied by Suryakumar Yadav—who has struggled with consistency throughout the 2026 season—Rayudu was unequivocal: “Yes, of course.”

Shifting Tides in Indian Cricket

The conversation around Patidar comes at a time when the Indian team is entering a new cycle in T20 cricket. Suryakumar Yadav, despite his previous world-class performances, has endured a challenging run, leading selectors to look toward more consistent, in-form alternatives. Alongside Patidar, players like Shreyas Iyer have also demonstrated the necessary leadership and batting consistency to be considered for future campaigns.

Ultimately, the selectors face a pleasant dilemma. With the depth of talent currently available, the inclusion of an in-form player like Patidar could provide the team with the aggressive spark needed to tackle upcoming international challenges. Whether he officially takes a spot in the starting XI remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Rajat Patidar has made an impossible-to-ignore case for his transition to international cricket.

As the cricket fraternity looks forward to the final of the 2026 IPL, all eyes will be on the RCB skipper to see if he can carry this form into the ultimate showdown and beyond into the blue jersey of India.