A few years ago in Dharamsala, Rajat Patidar was forced to leave the India squad for the foreseeable future due to an injury and poor form.
Before Devdutt Padikkal took his spot for the final Test at the HPCA Stadium in March 2024, he had a terrible run in the traditional whites that included six dismissals in three games to England spinners.
Patidar used the same scenic Dhauladhar background to spark a debate over his national comeback with a T20 blitz that led RCB to their second consecutive final, despite the format being unmatched. Calls for Patidar’s inclusion in India’s T20 squad had already started, as he is on track to lead RCB to a back-to-back title as captain in his best-ever IPL season with the bat. It has multiplied after a 33-ball 93.
India is a World Cup-winning team under Suryakumar Yadav, but because there is so much ready talent in T20s, his position in the team is under scrutiny because of a protracted slump.
Following Tuesday night’s game-winning performance, Patidar’s camp wants Shryeas Iyer back on the team as captain for the upcoming series.
“I would have two or three guys in the team and build the squad around them. Rajat is one of them,” PTI quoted Ambati Rayudu telling ESPNcricinfo.
Against Gujarat Titans, Patidar had amassed 21 runs off his first 13 balls before hitting 72 off the following 20 to dramatically tip the scales in RCB’s favor. Shubman Gill’s GT batting lineup, which was otherwise excellent but one-dimensional, was unable to match the 254-5.
In the high altitude of Dharamsala, the ball rockets off the bat, and Patidar’s incredible six-hitting feat—tonking nine in total—certainly added more velocity. The six over cover off a length ball from Kagiso Rabada encapsulated how accurate the pitch was and how excellent Patidar was on the night.
“I think I called him a spin basher once and he got quite annoyed with me because I was implying it was only spin,” RCB director of cricket Mo Bobat said referring to his improve play against the fast bowlers.
“He’s probably trying to prove a point to me. Whether he’s facing pace or spin, off the front foot or the back foot, the ball hits the middle of his bat an awful lot. He’s got really sound basics and a pretty fearless intent, which is great to see.
“That was a pretty special knock. It’s the sort of innings we’re becoming accustomed to seeing from him now. Some outrageous shots, but with really aggressive intent. I think that’s leading by example,” he added.
Due to Virat Kohli’s dominant position on the team, Patidar is also a low-profile captain. He still has a quiet personality, but his amazing strokeplay is drawing all the attention and making the national selectors pay attention.
