Rajat Patidar Gets Ahead Of Shreyas Iyer For India Captaincy And Batting – Rajat Patidar Overtakes Shreyas Iyer: Ashwin Praises RCB Captain’s IPL Heroics

A Masterclass at the HPCA Stadium

The IPL 2026 playoffs witnessed a spectacle for the ages as Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) delivered a commanding performance to dismantle the Gujarat Titans (GT) in Qualifier 1. Played at the picturesque HPCA Stadium in Dharamshala on May 26, the match served as the perfect stage for Rajat Patidar to cement his reputation as one of the most dangerous batters in the competition.

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Facing the challenge of a chasing-friendly surface, Gujarat Titans captain Shubman Gill opted to bowl first. However, RCB had a clear strategy: dominate the scoreboard to put the opposition under immense pressure. The plan worked to perfection. Venkatesh Iyer set the tone with a rapid 19 off 7 balls, followed by valuable contributions from Virat Kohli (43 off 25) and Devdutt Padikkal (30 off 19).

The Patidar Power Play

While the top order provided a solid foundation, it was the captain, Rajat Patidar, who truly redefined the innings. Coming in after a double-wicket blow, Patidar unleashed a torrent of strokes, remaining unbeaten on 93 from just 33 balls. His innings was decorated with nine massive sixes and five boundaries, propelling RCB to a staggering total of 254/5—the highest score in an IPL playoff history. Supported by Krunal Pandya (43) and Jitesh Sharma (15*), Patidar ensured that the GT bowlers had no answers.

The run chase was never a viable option for the Gujarat Titans, who succumbed to the pressure. Despite a gritty 68 from Rahul Tewatia, the Titans were bundled out for 162. RCB’s bowling unit, led by Jacob Duffy’s 3/39, secured a comprehensive 92-run victory, punching their ticket to the final in Ahmedabad on May 31.

Ashwin’s High Praise for the RCB Captain

Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin was quick to laud the brilliance of the RCB skipper. During his YouTube show, ‘Ash ki Baat’, Ashwin singled out a particular backfoot six hit off Kagiso Rabada in the 17th over as the standout moment of the tournament. The shot, executed with incredible power from a challenging delivery, left even the seasoned veteran in awe.

However, the praise extended beyond mere batting technique. Ashwin drew a compelling comparison between Patidar and Punjab Kings captain Shreyas Iyer. “Before this knock, Shreyas Iyer was probably a bit ahead in the captaincy and batting conversations, but after tonight, Patidar is right up there,” Ashwin noted. He highlighted Patidar’s unique ability to handle both spin and pace with equal proficiency, particularly citing the effortless way he lofted Rashid Khan over the extra-cover boundary.

The Road to History

With this victory, RCB has reached their second consecutive IPL final. The stakes are immense; if they secure the title in Ahmedabad, they will join an elite list of franchises including Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians, who are the only teams to have successfully defended their IPL crown in the history of the league. The momentum is firmly with the Bengaluru side, and under the leadership of a resurgent Rajat Patidar, they look poised to etch their names into the history books.

As the cricket world turns its attention to the final showdown, the debate regarding India’s future leadership continues to evolve. Patidar’s tactical acumen and his ability to rise to the occasion during the most critical hours of the season have certainly shifted the narrative, placing him firmly in the spotlight as a leader of the future.