‘Hope he gets opportunity’: Irfan Pathan explains why double IPL-winning RCB captain Rajat Patidar should be part of India T20I side

‘Hope he gets opportunity’: Irfan Pathan explains why double IPL-winning RCB captain Rajat Patidar should be part of India T20I side originally appeared on Cricket News. Add Cricket News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Irfan Pathan believes double IPL-winning captain Rajat Patidar deserves an India T20I opportunity soon.

• Pathan cited the abundance of left-handers in India’s T20 side as a reason.

• Patidar was overlooked for India’s squads despite leading RCB to back-to-back IPL titles.

Irfan Pathan explains why Rajat Patidar should be part of India T20I side

Few players have a stronger case for national recognition on current form than Rajat Patidar, yet the door to the India T20I side remains frustratingly shut. The double IPL-winning captain’s continued absence from the setup has become a growing talking point in Indian cricket.

One of the most prominent voices championing his cause is Irfan Pathan. The former India all-rounder firmly believes the selectors are overlooking an obvious candidate, and has urged the team management to hand Patidar a proper opportunity in the shortest format sooner rather than later.

Patidar’s snub is all the more baffling given his sustained recent dominance. The right-hander captained Royal Challengers Bengaluru to back-to-back IPL titles, plundering runs at a strike rate near 200 in a stunning 2026, yet was ignored for India’s Ireland, England and Asian Games squads.

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Irfan Pathan makes the case for Rajat Patidar

Pathan’s central argument centred on the imbalance in India’s batting order. “Looking at the number of left-hand batters in the Indian T20 team right now, it’s even more of a reason for Team India to look at Rajat Patidar going forward,” Pathan said.

The point carries real weight in the current setup. India’s top order is now heavily left-hand dominant, featuring the likes of Abhishek Sharma, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Tilak Varma and Ishan Kishan, and a right-hander of Patidar’s class would offer valuable variety against opposition attacks.

He also stressed that the timing was ideal for such experimentation. “I really hope he gets an opportunity, especially since there is still plenty of time for Team India to experiment before the next T20 World Cup,” Pathan added, pointing to the window before the 2028 tournament.