Rajat Patidar set to earn India selection call, claims Virender Sehwag – Rajat Patidar Poised for India Call-up After IPL 2026 Heroics

The Rise of a New Indian Superstar

The landscape of Indian cricket is constantly shifting, and in the ongoing IPL 2026 season, one name has emerged as the clear frontrunner for international recognition: Rajat Patidar. The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) captain has not only led his team to the grand final but has done so with a level of batting dominance rarely seen in the high-stakes environment of the playoffs.

Legendary Indian opener Virender Sehwag has publicly championed the cause for Patidar’s inclusion in the national T20I setup. Sehwag’s assessment comes on the back of a series of breathtaking performances that have redefined the role of a modern middle-order aggressor.

A Record-Breaking Qualifier Performance

Patidar’s standout moment came during Qualifier 1 against the Gujarat Titans in Dharamshala on May 26. Faced with the pressure of early wickets, the RCB skipper delivered a masterclass in controlled aggression. He smashed an unbeaten 93 off just 33 deliveries—an innings characterized by a staggering strike rate of 281.81.

His brilliance propelled RCB to a total of 254/5, setting a new benchmark for the highest total in IPL playoff history. The Gujarat Titans, unable to cope with the mounting pressure and the mammoth target, collapsed to 162, effectively handing RCB a dominant path to the final.

Expert Analysis: Why Sehwag Believes in Patidar

Virender Sehwag, known for his own explosive style, was quick to highlight the technical maturity Patidar displayed during that Qualifier 1 match. Speaking on Cricbuzz, Sehwag noted that Patidar’s success is rooted in calculated risk-taking rather than reckless hitting.

• Situational Awareness: Sehwag emphasized how Patidar steadied the ship after two quick dismissals in the same over before shifting gears to wreak havoc.
• Shot Selection: According to the former opener, Patidar’s ability to hit sixes in all directions is a product of knowing his strengths and waiting for the right delivery.
• Pressure Management: Sehwag believes the young captain has developed the exact temperament required for international cricket.

“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 remarked, underlining his conviction that Patidar is ready for the international stage.

The Challenge of Selection

The call for Patidar’s selection is echoed by others in the cricketing fraternity. Former Indian pacer Mohit Sharma, who observed Patidar’s impact firsthand, acknowledged that the batter is creating a “great headache” for the national selectors. With upcoming T20I series scheduled against Ireland, England, and Zimbabwe, the timing for Patidar’s breakthrough could not be better.

Mohit pointed out that while the talent is undeniable, the challenge lies in the sheer depth of the current Indian squad. The question for the selectors is how to carve out space for a talent that has proven he can thrive under the most intense pressure of tournament cricket.

Looking Ahead: The Final Countdown

As RCB prepares for the IPL 2026 final on May 31, Sehwag has issued a word of caution to the team: avoid complacency. While RCB enjoys the luxury of extra rest and practice time, the title clash at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad will be a different battle altogether.

Sehwag noted that the two-day gap allows RCB to acclimate to the conditions, a distinct advantage over their eventual opponents who will be coming off the Eliminator and Qualifier 2. “They can’t afford to relax just because they are in the final. They will have to prepare for it,” Sehwag concluded. With Patidar leading the charge, RCB fans will be hoping that their captain can translate his current form into one final, trophy-winning performance.