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Former India National Cricket Team all-rounder Irfan Pathan has backed the selection of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) skipper Rajat Patidar in the T20I team.
Irfan Pathan took to X during the second T20I between India and England to state that the selection of Rajat Patidar in the T20I team is important because the current batting unit is stacked with left-handed batters.
India fail to win the 2nd T20I vs England
India's batters failed to make the most of a flying start in the second T20I against England at Old Trafford, Manchester, as they finished with 190/7 in their allotted 20 overs.
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi had the most limelight on him as he made his international debut at 15 and registered 14 runs off 10 balls before getting out to Will Jacks.
Abhishek Sharma smashed 43 off 24 balls, while Ishan Kishan (49), Shreyas Iyer (37), and Tilak Varma (24*) chipped in with useful contributions, but the visitors were unable to breach the 200-run mark despite reaching 65/2 inside the powerplay.
The total eventually proved insufficient as England chased down the target with four wickets in hand and an over to spare. Jacob Bethell starred with an unbeaten 76 off 46 balls, while Harry Brook (39) and Tom Banton (39) played important supporting roles to help England take a 1-0 lead in the five-match T20I series.
Irfan Pathan backs Rajat Patidar's T20I selection
Following India's defeat, former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan renewed his call for Rajat Patidar's inclusion in the national T20I setup.
Pathan highlighted the balance Rajat Patidar could bring to India's batting unit, particularly with the current side featuring several left-handed batters.
"Looking at the number of left-hand batters in the Indian T20 team right now, it's even more of a reason for Team India to look at Rajat Patidar going forward. I really hope he gets an opportunity, especially since there is still plenty of time for Team India to experiment before the next T20 World Cup," Pathan posted on X.
Looking at the number of left-hand batters in the Indian T20 team right now, it’s even more of a reason for Team India to look at Rajat Patidar going forward.
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) July 4, 2026
I really hope he gets an opportunity, especially since there is still plenty of time for Team India to experiment before…
Irfan Pathan also shared his views on India's batting effort against England and praised match-winner Jacob Bethell for his composed knock under pressure.
"Jacob Bethell is a top quality player. He gave us near heart attack in the semi final of the World Cup. Today he kept waiting for one big over in the run chase. Once he got it was all over. India should have got more than 200 specially the kind of start they got," Pathan stated.
Jacob Bethell is a top quality player. He gave us near heart attack in the semi final of the World Cup.
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) July 4, 2026
Today he kept waiting for one big over in the run chase. Once he got it was all over.
India should have got more than 200 specially the kind of start they got.
The former cricketer's remarks have once again sparked discussion around Rajat Patidar's India prospects. With the team management continuing to build towards the next T20 World Cup, the 33-year-old's name is increasingly being mentioned as a potential middle-order option capable of adding stability as well as power-hitting.
Rajat Patidar's recent IPL heroics
Patidar strengthened his case for national selection with another impressive IPL season for Royal Challengers Bengaluru in 2026. Leading the franchise to the title win, the right-handed batter scored 501 runs in 14 innings at an average of 41.75 and a stunning strike rate of 192.69. He also smashed five half-centuries, with a highest score of 93*.
His 2026 campaign was comfortably his best IPL season in terms of both consistency and impact. Patidar struck 30 fours and 42 sixes during the tournament, emerging as one of the most destructive middle-order batters in the competition.
Overall, Patidar has scored 1,612 runs in 57 IPL matches at an average of 33.58 and a strike rate of 164.48. His record includes one century and 14 half-centuries, underlining his ability to deliver consistently at the highest level of franchise cricket.
With India's middle-order combination still evolving and several months remaining before the next major ICC event, Pathan believes Patidar deserves a genuine opportunity in international cricket. Given his recent IPL performances and ability to counter spin and pace alike, the calls for his T20I debut are only growing louder.
