Not Sarfaraz Khan! Rajat Patidar on Ajit Agarkar's radar for Test comeback vs South Africa

Rajat Patidar has set the Ranji Trophy 2025-26 stage on fire with a masterclass that reminded everyone why he’s one of the most dependable batters in Indian domestic cricket. Leading Madhya Pradesh from the front, Rajat Patidar showed complete dominance and played an unforgettable innings against Punjab at the Emerald High School Ground in Indore.

After Punjab managed just 232 runs in their first innings, Madhya Pradesh didn’t have the desired start in their Ranji Trophy 2025-56 clash in Indore. The early dismissal of Madhya Pradesh openers Harsh Gawli (8) and Yash Dubey (23) left the team under pressure, but Patidar’s calm presence changed the entire momentum.

Rajat Patidar leads from the front with a magnificent double hundred in Indore

With the wicketkeeper-batter Himanshu Mantri (40) and Shubham Sharma (41) making some valuable contributions to steady Madhya Pradesh’s innings, the stage was set for their captain Patidar to take control against the Punjab cricket team, and he did it in style at his home ground.

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Patidar crafted a stunning unbeaten double century, scoring 205 runs off 332 balls, showing a perfect mix of patience, precision, and power. His knock featured 26 boundaries, and those runs came at a steady strike rate of 61.75 that reflected his maturity.

Rajat Patidar’s 205 powers Madhya Pradesh to dominance over Punjab in Ranji Trophy 2025-26

The Madhya Pradesh captain built crucial partnerships with Venkatesh Iyer (75), then pushed the lead with Saransh Jain (30) and Sagar Solanki (26). As the day ended, Patidar and Arshad Khan remained unbeaten on 205* and 60*, respectively, guiding Madhya Pradesh to a mammoth total of 519 for 8 at stumps on day three, taking a massive 287-run lead over Punjab.

However, on Day 4, the Madhya Pradesh captain Patidar declared their innings at the overnight score of 519/8 against Pakistan. Well, Patidar’s brilliant display wasn’t just about runs; it was a statement of intent. After consistent performances across formats this season, his commanding double century has sent a strong message to the Indian selectors and BCCI.

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Rajat Patidar’s double ton puts him back in contention for India’s Test squad

Meanwhile, Rajat Patidar has sent a loud and clear message to the BCCI and Indian chief selectors that he’s ready to make a grand comeback to the Indian Test team. After his stunning double century in the ongoing Ranji Trophy 2025-26, the Madhya Pradesh skipper has once again proven that he belongs on the big stage.

As reported by the Times of India, Patidar’s dominant unbeaten double century in the ongoing Madhya Pradesh vs. Punjab Ranji Trophy 2025-26 encounter has put him right back in contention for a Test recall. His performance was a reminder of his grit, class, and ability to rise when it matters most.

🚨 RAJAT PATIDAR IS BACK 🚨

Patidar makes a strong case for his return to Indian Test team after the Double Hundred in Ranji Trophy. [Gaurav Gupta from TOI] pic.twitter.com/AV4zb3tND8

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) October 18, 2025

Lately, Patidar has been in outstanding form across formats in domestic cricket, but his double hundred showed the patience and control needed for long-format cricket, pushing his case strongly for an India comeback for the upcoming two-match Test series against South Africa at home.

The first Test will be played at Eden Gardens in Kolkata from November 14, while the second and final Test will be held at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati from November 22.