‘His Time Will Come, But Not Yet…’: Aakash Chopra Explains Why IPL Hero Rajat Patidar Is Still Waiting for India T20 Return

Few Indian batters have enjoyed a rise as remarkable as Rajat Patidar over the past two seasons. The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) captain not only guided the franchise to consecutive Indian Premier League (IPL) titles but also emerged as one of the most destructive batters in the tournament.

Yet, despite his extraordinary performances, Patidar continues to wait for a return to India’s T20I setup.

His absence from the national squad has become a major talking point among cricket fans, especially after a season in which he combined explosive batting with successful leadership.

A Dream IPL Season That Turned Heads

Patidar’s numbers from the latest IPL campaign were nothing short of spectacular.

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The RCB skipper amassed 501 runs in 14 innings, striking at an impressive 192.69. He cleared the boundary 42 times and struck 30 fours, consistently putting opposition bowlers under pressure.

More importantly, he led Bengaluru to another championship triumph, helping the franchise defeat the Gujarat Titans in the final and further cementing his reputation as one of India’s most reliable T20 performers.

Despite these achievements, the national selectors chose not to include him in the current T20I setup.

Why Is Patidar Still Missing Out?

Former India batter Aakash Chopra believes the answer has little to do with Patidar’s form and everything to do with India’s team balance.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Chopra pointed out that the middle order is already occupied by established players who are unlikely to be moved.

According to Chopra, Shreyas Iyer currently fills the No. 4 role, while vice-captain Tilak Varma bats at No. 5. Shivam Dube provides balance at No. 6 with his all-round abilities.

With those positions effectively locked, Chopra questioned where Patidar would fit into the current combination.

A Matter of Opportunity, Not Ability

The former opener emphasized that Patidar’s future with Team India is far from over.

In Chopra’s view, the talented batter will almost certainly represent India again. However, that opportunity may only arrive when changes become necessary in the playing XI.

His comments suggest that Patidar is currently a victim of India’s extraordinary batting depth rather than a lack of performances.

India’s Selection Puzzle Continues

The situation highlights the intense competition for places in India’s T20 squad.

Players such as Tilak Varma, Shreyas Iyer, Shivam Dube, Ishan Kishan, and Abhishek Sharma have all strengthened their claims in recent months, leaving selectors with difficult decisions.

For Patidar, the challenge is not proving his talent — his IPL numbers have already done that. The real challenge is finding space in a lineup overflowing with quality players.

Waiting for the Door to Open

At 32, Patidar remains one of the most dangerous middle-order batters in Indian cricket. His ability to dominate spin, accelerate against pace, and perform under pressure makes him a valuable asset in the shortest format.

While his supporters may feel frustrated by the continued exclusion, Chopra’s assessment offers a realistic explanation. Sometimes, international selection is not about who deserves a place but whether a place is available.

For now, Rajat Patidar’s wait continues. But if his recent performances are any indication, it may only be a matter of time before the IPL-winning captain finds himself back in India’s blue jersey.