“What else does he have to do?” Harbhajan Singh fumes over Rajat Patidar’s India snub

Royal Challengers Bengaluru captain Rajat Patidar. (NOT a photo) Former India spinner Harbhajan Singh has openly questioned the national selection after Royal Challengers Bengaluru captain Rajat Patidar was left out of India’s latest T20I squad despite another stellar campaign in the Indian Premier League.The BCCI has officially announced India’s squad for the upcoming T20I series against Ireland, England and the Asian Games, with several notable changes grabbing attention. Shreyas Iyer was named captain, replacing Suryakumar Yadav, while 15-year-old batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi earned his first call-up to the senior Indian team. Tilak Varma was appointed vice-captain.Taking to social media shortly after the team announcement, Harbhajan expressed his disappointment at Patidar’s omission and strongly endorsed the middle-order batsman’s credentials.“Sad no Rajat Patidar in Indian team. What else he has to do? Scored 501 runs, strike count almost 200. Unfair 💔 @rrjjt_01 Easily the best middle order in India. Proper striker with good technique,” Harbhajan wrote.

Patidar’s impressive IPL credentials

Harbhajan’s criticism is rooted in Patidar’s remarkable rise during the last two IPL seasons. The right-hander has not only established himself as one of the most devastating middle-order batsmen in the tournament, but has also shown strong leadership skills as a captain.Patidar led Royal Challengers Bengaluru to their first IPL title in 2025, ending the franchise’s 18-year wait for silverware. He followed this up with another successful season in 2026, leading RCB in back-to-back titles while maintaining his impressive batting form.In IPL 2026, Patidar amassed 501 runs in 15 matches, hitting close to 200. His fearless approach against both pace and spin has made him one of the most dangerous middle-order batsmen in the competition. He also averaged 41.75 and crossed the boundary ropes 42 times during the season.India Squad for Ireland and England T20Is: Shreyas Iyer (c), Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson, Ishan Kishan, Shivam Dube, Tilak Varma (vc), Nitish Kumar Reddy, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Varun Chakravarthy, Ravi Bishnoi, Mohammed Siraj, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep, Sophiryb, PrinceIndia Squad for Asian Games: Shreyas Iyer (C), Sanju Samson, Ishan Kishan, Shivam Dube, Tilak Varma, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Varun C, Ravi Bishnoi, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Jasprit Bumrah.