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RCB captain Rajat Patidar has rejected any concerns over his selection to the Indian T20I team while speculations have been raised over his appointment as the next skipper of the Indian team.
Rajat Patidar is one of the most successful captains in the history of the IPL. He was appointed captain before the start of IPL 2025, and since then, he has been leading by example. Appointed as RCB’s captain, he has won 21 out of their 31 matches in the season.
Alongside his excellent leadership qualities, his batting form has also been commendable, especially this season. Patidar has evolved with his batting strength and has elevated his ball-striking ability to a whole new level. He has also been consistent despite his quick rate of scoring.
Rajat Patidar unfazed by India selections; RCB captain looks to focus on IPL 2026 final
Rajat Patidar’s excellent form should promote him to a much-deserved spot in the Indian T20I side. However, no such claims have been made as of now, as India does not have any T20I series scheduled immediately.
Some reports had also claimed that India would be aiming for a switch in captaincy, citing Suryakumar Yadav’s poor form with the bat. Shreyas Iyer and Rajat Patidar, both successful IPL captains, have been backed to replace him by cricket experts and fans.
However, in the pre-final conference, skipper Patidar revealed he is not bothered with selections at the moment and wants to focus on winning the title for the second consecutive time. “I’m not looking forward to anything at the moment regarding the India selection,” said Rajat Patidar.
I’m not looking forward to anything at the moment regarding India selection: Rajat Patidar #IPLFinal pic.twitter.com/2GEzok3mRv
— RevSportz Global (@RevSportzGlobal) May 30, 2026
I try to focus on the present: Rajat Patidar boldly declares his success mantra
Patidar’s success has been truly inspiring. Despite being young and relatively inexperienced, he led the likes of Virat Kohli, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, and Josh Hazlewood in his side and has maintained an excellent balance between aggression and game awareness.
Speaking of his success and comparison with other players or former captains, he said, “I don’t think who did what in past and not competing with anyone else. I try to focus on the present and don’t look behind or forward.”
This remains one of the most formidable statements made by a young captain before his team begins the hunt for a consecutive IPL triumph, that too a team that waited 18 years for their first title.
Rajat Patidar’s IPL 2026 Stats
Patidar made his debut in the IPL for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru back in 2021, but his breakthrough season came in 2022, when he excelled as a batter and amassed 333 runs in just 8 innings, where he averaged 55.50 and also scored his maiden T20I century.
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