42 sixes, 30 fours and 501 runs… created havoc in IPL, now is the time to give a chance to Team India; Irfan Pathan’s big demand

New Delhi. After Team India’s defeat in the second T20 against England, former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan has put forward a big suggestion to the selectors. He believes that amid the continuously increasing number of left-handed batsmen in the Indian T20 team, right-handed explosive batsman Rajat Patidar should now be given a chance. Patidar, who played a key role in RCB’s title win by destroying the bowlers with a blazing strike rate of 192.69 in IPL 2026, was ignored for the tour of Ireland and England, but Pathan believes that now he should get a place in Team India.

Patidar should get a chance – Irfan
Irfan Pathan said, ‘The number of left-handed batsmen in the current Indian T20 team has increased significantly. In such a situation, there is a need for a right-handed batsman like Rajat Patidar to balance the team combination. He said, ‘Team India will get a chance to try many combinations before the next T20 World Cup and this is the right time when Patidar should be tested at the international level.’

Imbalance of batting order shown against England
In the second T20 match played in Manchester, India’s top order was completely filled with left-handed batsmen. 15-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi made his debut, but his entry was in place of Sanju Samson, who is a right-handed batsman. After this, three consecutive left-handers like Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Abhishek Sharma and Ishan Kishan entered India’s top order. Tilak Verma, Shivam Dubey and Akshar Patel were also left-handed batsmen in the middle order. Captain Shreyas Iyer was the only right-handed batsman in the top-7. Pathan believes that this kind of batting order can make it easier for opposition teams to make strategies in big tournaments.

Wreaked havoc in IPL 2026
Royal Challengers Bangalore captain Rajat Patidar gave the best performance of his career in IPL 2026. He scored 501 runs in 14 innings. During this period his average was 41.75 and strike rate was 192.69. Patidar hit 42 sixes and 30 fours in the entire season, while he also scored five half-centuries with his bat. His aggressive batting played an important role in making RCB the IPL champion for the second consecutive time.

Irfan believes that Rajat Patidar should get a chance in the T20 team.

Excellent record in T20 cricket also
Rajat Patidar’s performance is not limited to IPL only. He has scored 3389 runs in 113 T20 matches so far. During this period his strike rate has been 160.08, which is proof of his aggressive batting. His ability to score runs quickly in the middle order and bat fearlessly against spin makes him a very useful player in T20 cricket.

Perfect opportunity to experiment before the World Cup
There is still time left for the T20 World Cup. In such a situation, the selectors have ample opportunity to try different players. Irfan Pathan believes that a player like Rajat Patidar should get a chance in this phase, so that the best combination of the team can be prepared before the big tournament. If the selectors pay attention to this suggestion, then Rajat Patidar, who has wreaked havoc with his bat in the IPL, may soon be seen in the blue jersey of Team India. Let us tell you that Patidar has not yet got a chance to debut in T20.