Suryakumar Yadav’s T20I future is under decision while Rajat Patidar catches glance of BCCI

Rajat Patidar’s sensational IPL 2026 form has sparked fresh debate around India’s T20 batting lineup, with many now questioning whether changes in the middle order could arrive sooner than expected. The Royal Challengers Bengaluru captain delivered a stunning unbeaten 93 off 33 balls in Qualifier 1 against Gujarat Titans, strengthening his case for a bigger role in India’s T20I setup.

Rajat Patidar's IPL performance

Patidar has been one of IPL 2026’s standout performers, impressing with aggressive batting and calm leadership. His match-winning knock against Gujarat Titans featured fearless strokeplay and clean hitting, helping RCB dominate a crucial playoff clash. The innings quickly became one of the biggest talking points of the season.

Taking to Hindustan Times, former Indian batter Aakash Chopra wrote on social media, “Rajat Patidar should be playing in the T20Is for India soon."

Former India batter Ambati Rayudu praised Patidar's performance, stating him as one of the few players whom India should include in their future T20I side.

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Speaking on ESPNcricinfo, Rayudu said, “I think there are about two or three guys whose names I would write first and then build the squad around them, and he is definitely one of them. You need him in the T20 squad. There is no two ways about it.”

When asked about Patidar's potential over Suryakumar Yadav’s role in the T20I setup, Rayudu replied: “Yes, of course.”

RCB team management has also praised Patidar’s growth over the last two seasons. Team director Mo Bobat recently highlighted the batter’s improved game against both pace and spin, along with his fearless intent at the crease.

Suryakumar Yadav’s potential threat to the T20I spot

Suryakumar Yadav's future for the national selection is under discussion after his disappointing IPL campaign. Though Suryakumar is not in any consideration of retirement and still sees himself playing the 2028 T20 World Cup. Throughout this season, Yadav had been through a slow strike rate, and his team MI also finished in ninth of the table. His strike and captaincy sparked questions among the officials about his selection over the other power hitters for the T20I ahead this year.

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While the scouting for India’s next T20 direction continues to emerge, India is set to travel to England for a five-match T20I series later this year.