rewrite this title “He should at least be in India’s 15” – Kris Srikkanth’s massive claim on RCB star after win vs GT in IPL 2026 Qualifier 1

Former Team India captain Kris Srikkanth believes Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) skipper Rajat Patidar should be part of the Indian white-ball squads after his heroics in the IPL 2026 Qualifier 1. Up against a world-class Gujarat Titans (GT) bowling lineup, the RCB captain smashed a brilliant 93* off 33 deliveries with nine maximums and five boundaries.

Patidar’s heroics helped RCB post a near-unassailable 254/5 in 20 overs, which they eventually defended by 92 runs to clinch a spot in the IPL 2026 final.

Talking about Rajat Patidar’s future with the national side, Srikkanth said on his YouTube channel (5:36):

“India has given him a chance in Tests but not in white-ball cricket. But he should be given a chance in the white-ball formats for India. He should at least be in the 15. Patidar deserves a place in white-ball cricket for India, as he’s one guy who can finish off and win the match in the middle overs single-handedly for you.”

Patidar led RCB to their maiden IPL title in his first season as captain last year. He has impressed with the bat in the ongoing season, scoring 486 runs at an average of over 44 and a strike rate of almost 197 in 14 outings.

“I have never seen anyone smash the bowling in the middle overs like him” – Kris Srikkanth on Rajat Patidar

Kris Srikkanth hailed Rajat Patidar’s ability to smash bowlers in the middle overs as the best he has seen in the sport. After a slow start to the innings, the RCB skipper completed his half-century off only 21 deliveries.

Patidar upped the ante further, scoring 43 off 12 balls, following his half-century.

“RCB, led by him, showed how to get into a final by terrorizing the opponent. I have never seen anyone smash the bowling in the middle overs like him. Once he gets his eye in, he hits sixes and fours at will. Rabada’s dropped catch off him was a sitter by international standards. After that, Patidar just took off from the 15th over,” said Srikkanth (via the aforementioned source).

He added:

“He smashed even Rabada for sixes at will. Then, he demolished Siraj and Prasidh Krishna. The way he paced himself was outstanding. He played most of his shots in the V and hardly played anything across the line. I was amazed by his sense of timing.”

A win in the grand finale on Sunday (May 31) will mean Patidar will become only the third captain after MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma to lead his side to back-to-back titles in IPL history.

Edited by Venkatesh Ravichandran