Rajat Patidar Emerges as Strong Contender for T20I Captaincy After IPL Success
Amid Sanju Samson, Shreyas Iyer Chatter, Why Rajat Patidar Should Be In T20I Captaincy Discussion

Image: Ndtv
Rajat Patidar led Royal Challengers Bengaluru to a dominant victory over Gujarat Titans in the IPL 2026 Qualifier 1, scoring an unbeaten 93. His leadership and performance have sparked discussions about him potentially replacing Suryakumar Yadav as India's T20I captain, overshadowing other contenders like Shreyas Iyer and Sanju Samson.
- 01Rajat Patidar scored 93 runs off 33 balls in the IPL 2026 Qualifier 1, leading RCB to a 92-run victory.
- 02Under Patidar's captaincy, RCB won their first IPL title in 2025 after an 18-year wait.
- 03Shreyas Iyer and Sanju Samson were initially considered strong candidates for T20I captaincy but have seen their momentum stall.
- 04Former India batter Ambati Rayudu advocates for Patidar's inclusion in the T20 squad and suggests he should be considered for captaincy.
- 05Patidar has yet to make his T20I debut but has shown maturity and leadership qualities in the IPL.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
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.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
Patidar's performance and leadership could influence his selection for the national T20I team, impacting team dynamics.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
Reader Poll
Who do you think should be the next T20I captain of India?
Connecting to poll...
More about Royal Challengers Bengaluru

Ambati Rayudu Praises RCB Captain Rajat Patidar's Stellar Performance in IPL 2026 Qualifier 1
Sportskeeda • May 27, 2026

Rajat Patidar's Case for India's T20I Team Post IPL 2026
Sportskeeda • May 27, 2026

R Ashwin Critiques Shubman Gill's Captaincy Decisions in IPL 2026 Qualifier 1
Sportskeeda • May 27, 2026
Read the original article
Visit the source for the complete story.



