Irfan Pathan Wants Rajat Patidar in India’s T20I Team Soon

Rajat Patidar has done enough to make a comeback in India’s T20I plans with his recent performances, but he is yet to find a place. Even after leading Royal Challengers Bangalore to two consecutive IPL titles, the in-form batsman is being kept out, his absence becoming a regular topic of discussion in Indian cricket.

Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan is among those who believe that Patidar should be given a second chance. According to him, the selectors are missing out on a clear option, and he wants the team management to give the right-handed batsman more time in the T20I team.

Patidar’s statistics make his omission all the more surprising. He led Royal Challengers Bangalore to consecutive IPL wins and scored freely at a strike rate close to 200 throughout the 2026 season. Despite this performance, he was not selected in India’s squad for the Ireland and England series or the Asian Games.

Irfan Pathan backs Rajat Patidar for India’s T20I squad

For Pathan, India’s current batting mix is ​​another reason to consider Patidar. “Given the number of left-handed batsmen currently in the Indian T20 team, it is an even more important reason for Team India to push Rajat Patidar forward,” Pathan said.

This is a view that is supported by the makeup of India’s batting order. Abhishek Sharma, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Tilak Verma and Ishan Kishan are all left-handed batsmen, and the addition of a right-handed batsman like Patidar could give the lineup a better balance against different bowling attacks.

Pathan also feels that this is the right time to test new combinations ahead of the next global event. “I really hope he gets the chance, especially since Team India still has plenty of time to experiment before the next T20 World Cup,” he added, referring to the preparations for the 2028 tournament.

However, the selectors seem to be considering moving forward by giving more opportunities to youngsters while building the team for 2028. This approach has left the 33-year-old out. Patidar’s last appearance for India came in early 2024, when he lost his place after a difficult three-match Test series against England.

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Patidar’s performances strengthen his case

Looking at Patidar’s performance, he has every reason to feel unlucky. Winning two consecutive IPL titles while scoring at a strike rate of around 200 is a national tradition. Besides that, his right-handed batting will bring something different to India’s left-handed top order.

However, the selectors’ thinking is not without reason. With their focus on the 2028 T20 World Cup, they seem willing to invest in young players for the future rather than bringing back the 33-year-old, even if he is playing the best cricket of his career.

Whether the selectors ultimately agree with Pathan’s assessment remains to be seen. For now, Patidar is strengthening his case with every passing performance, while selection for India’s young core keeps one of the country’s most in-form T20 batsmen waiting for an opportunity that many believe he has already grabbed.

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