India India’s T20I squad has found a stable core, but the former all-rounder Irfan Pathan believe that next ICC Men’s T20 World Cup There is still room for new faces before. Pathan has Rajat Patidar has strongly advocated for a place in India’s T20I setup, arguing that the right-handed batsman provides an important balance in the batting order when the team has an abundance of left-handed batsmen.
Sharing his views on social media platform
Irfan Pathan explains why Rajat Patidar should be included in India’s T20I squad
Pathan’s endorsement of Patidar was based on India’s current batting structure and not just recent performances. According to the former Indian cricketer, the inclusion of a reliable right-handed middle-order batsman becomes even more valuable due to the increasing number of left-handed batsmen in the T20I team.
“Given the number of left-handed batsmen currently in the Indian T20 squad, this is all the more reason why Team India should focus on Rajat Patidar moving forward. I really hope he gets an opportunity, especially because Team India still has a lot of time to experiment before the next T20 World Cup,” Pathan wrote on
His comments come at a time when India’s T20 setup is evolving under a new generation of new players. While several left-handed batsmen have cemented their places, the selectors are still evaluating options who can strengthen the middle order and provide strategic flexibility against different bowling attacks. Pathan believes that Patidar fulfills this requirement and if given a chance to play consistently, he can become an important option.
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…
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) July 4, 2026
Patidar’s advancement strengthens his case for his return to India
Patidar has made his mark as one of India’s most reliable stroke-makers in white-ball cricket. Known for his fearless approach against both pace and spin, the right-handed batsman has impressed with his ability to deliver pace without any consistency in franchise cricket and domestic competitions.
His performances in high-pressure matches have also drawn praise from many former cricketers, many of whom believe that he possesses the mentality required for international cricket. The 33-year-old has already represented India in limited opportunities, but he is yet to make his mark as a regular member of the T20I squad. With the selectors continuing to rotate players and build depth for the next World Cup cycle, Patidar still remains firmly in the contention.
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