In a commanding performance, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) defeated Gujarat Titans by 92 runs in the IPL 2026 Qualifier 1, with captain Rajat Patidar scoring an impressive 93 runs off 33 balls. This victory has reignited discussions about the future of India's T20I captaincy, particularly in light of the struggles faced by other contenders like Shreyas Iyer and Sanju Samson. Iyer, who previously led Punjab Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders, has seen his team's performance decline this season, while Samson, a fan favorite, has had mixed results. Patidar, who took over as RCB captain in 2025, has transformed the team's fortunes, leading them to their first IPL title after years of near misses. His leadership style, characterized by smart decision-making and match-winning performances, has drawn praise from former players, including Ambati Rayudu, who believes Patidar should be a key figure in the national T20 setup. As RCB aims for a second consecutive title, Patidar's candidacy for a leadership role in the Indian team continues to gain traction.