Rajat Patidar, the captain of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), has made a compelling case for inclusion in India's T20I team following his outstanding performance in IPL 2026. He has amassed 486 runs in 13 innings, averaging 44.18 with a remarkable strike rate of 196.76, demonstrating his proficiency in the middle order. Patidar's ability to perform under pressure is evident from his playoff statistics, where he averages 112.66 and has the highest strike rate in IPL history. His leadership has been pivotal in leading RCB to consecutive finals and securing their first IPL title in 2025, showcasing his tactical acumen and calm demeanor in high-stakes situations. Given his consistent performance and leadership qualities, experts believe he is a strong candidate for the national T20I team.