Rajat Patidar’s meteoric rise in the cricket world has been nothing short of spectacular. The Royal Challengers Bengaluru captain has been leading his team from the front, and his impressive performances with the bat have been a major factor in RCB’s successful title defense in the 2026 Indian Premier League. The 29-year-old’s incredible form has not gone unnoticed, and former Australian captain Michael Clarke has thrown his weight behind Patidar’s potential India call-up, stating that he must be considered ahead of anyone else in the queue.
Patidar’s Rise to Fame
The 2026 IPL season saw Patidar cement his position as one of the most influential figures in the tournament. His impressive batting average, coupled with his ability to take the game away from the opposition, made him a nightmare for opposing teams to contend with. His leadership skills also shone through, as he marshaled his team to several victories, including a crucial win in the final against their arch-rivals, the Mumbai Indians. Patidar’s impressive performances with the bat saw him amass an impressive 550 runs in the tournament, with four half-centuries and a century to his name.
Patidar’s impressive form has not only caught the attention of the cricketing fraternity but also that of the Indian selectors. With the likes of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and KL Rahul already established in the Indian team, there is a strong case for Patidar to be considered for a spot in the national team. Clarke’s backing for Patidar will only add to the pressure on the selectors to give him a chance, and it remains to be seen if the Indian team management will take the plunge and give him a national cap.
Clarke’s Verdict
Michael Clarke, the former Australian captain, has been a vocal advocate for Patidar’s inclusion in the Indian team. Clarke, who has a keen eye for talent and has been instrumental in spotting and nurturing young players, has been impressed by Patidar’s performances in the IPL. In an interview, Clarke stated that Patidar must be considered ahead of anyone else in the queue for an India call-up. Clarke’s statement has sent shockwaves through the cricketing community, with many calling for Patidar to be given a chance to represent India at the international level.
Clarke’s backing for Patidar is not surprising, given his impressive performances in the IPL. However, the Indian selectors will have to take a tough call on whether to give him a chance in the national team. With the likes of Shreyas Iyer and Ruturaj Gaikwad also in contention for a spot in the Indian team, the competition for places is fierce. However, Patidar’s impressive form in the IPL makes a strong case for his inclusion in the Indian team.
The Road Ahead
As Patidar continues to impress with his performances on the field, the pressure on the Indian selectors to give him a chance will only grow. With Clarke’s backing and his impressive form in the IPL, Patidar’s chances of getting an India call-up have never been higher. However, the selectors will have to take a tough call on whether to give him a chance, and it remains to be seen if Patidar will finally get the recognition he deserves at the international level. One thing is certain, though – Patidar’s performances in the IPL have made him a force to be reckoned with in the cricketing world, and it will be interesting to see how he fares in the coming seasons.
The Indian selectors will have a tough task on their hands in the coming months, with several players vying for a spot in the national team. With Patidar’s impressive form in the IPL, he will be one of the top contenders for a spot in the Indian team. Whether he will get the nod or not remains to be seen, but one thing is certain – Patidar’s performances have made him a strong candidate for an India call-up.
