Breaking News Analysis: The cricketing world is still buzzing from the Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s (RCB) historic achievement, clinching their second consecutive IPL title in 2026. This victory, secured with a dominant performance against the Shubman Gill-led Gujarat Titans in Ahmedabad, not only solidifies their place as a modern-day dynasty but also thrusts their captain, Rajat Patidar, into an elite echelon of IPL leaders. Amidst the celebrations, RCB batter Venkatesh Iyer, a domestic teammate of Patidar from Madhya Pradesh, has voiced a profound belief that Patidar ‘should be a regular in India’, questioning his apparent snub from the national setup.

The Unprecedented Double: RCB’s Dominance

RCB’s journey to back-to-back titles is a testament to strategic brilliance, cohesive team dynamics, and individual heroics. After breaking an 18-year trophy drought with their maiden title last year, the pressure to repeat was immense. Yet, as skipper Rajat Patidar himself articulated, ‘Last year was a lot of pressure, this year was more calm because the way we played throughout the tournament, we dominated this year. So we were pretty much confident that if we are playing like this we are definitely going to win the second title for RCB.’

The final against Gujarat Titans saw RCB in imperious form, restricting their opponents to a modest 155/8 from their 20 overs. The chase was spearheaded by none other than Virat Kohli, who rediscovered his vintage touch, scoring an unbeaten 75 runs to guide RCB to a comfortable five-wicket victory with two overs to spare. Kohli’s performance underscored the team’s depth and resilience, proving that even under the brightest lights, their star performers could deliver.

This repeat success is not merely a statistical anomaly; it speaks to a culture of winning that Patidar has evidently fostered. The shift from an 18-year wait to becoming a dominant force in just two seasons highlights a transformative period for the Bengaluru franchise.

Rajat Patidar: A Captain’s Evolution

Rajat Patidar’s entry into the exclusive club of captains with back-to-back IPL titles places him alongside legends like MS Dhoni (Chennai Super Kings, 2010 & 2011) and Rohit Sharma (Mumbai Indians, 2019 & 2020). This is a remarkable feat for a player who, just a few years ago, was primarily known for his batting prowess rather than his leadership. His calm demeanor, as reflected in his post-match comments, and his ability to guide a high-profile team like RCB through two intense seasons, demonstrate a profound growth in his cricketing acumen.

The comparison to Dhoni and Sharma is not made lightly. Both are celebrated for their tactical brilliance, ability to remain composed under pressure, and their knack for extracting the best from their players. Patidar’s success suggests he possesses similar leadership qualities, adapting and evolving with the demands of the T20 format. His journey from a domestic stalwart to a two-time IPL winning captain is an inspirational tale in itself, emphasizing the importance of belief and perseverance.

Venkatesh Iyer’s Astute Observation: The ‘India Snub’

The most compelling takeaway from RCB’s triumph, beyond the silverware, is Venkatesh Iyer’s passionate advocacy for his captain, Rajat Patidar. Speaking to NDTV’s Consulting Editor Boria Majumdar, Iyer didn’t just praise Patidar; he expressed a deep-seated conviction in his teammate’s national team credentials, calling him ‘Phenomenal’.

Iyer’s insights are particularly valuable because they stem from a long-standing association. Both players share the dressing room for Madhya Pradesh in domestic cricket, offering Iyer a unique, sustained perspective on Patidar’s abilities. Iyer’s statement, ‘I think he’s done what nobody believed he could do. I didn’t believe he could do a few years back, pleasantly surprised by the way he carried himself on the field,’ highlights a remarkable transformation in Patidar’s game and character.

However, it’s Iyer’s subsequent comments that truly resonate and spark debate: ‘This fellow does not belong here. He belongs in the top tier. He’s meant for bigger things… ‘What’s he doing here? He should be a regular in India.’ Quality, this, that. So it had to happen. Late, but good things eventually happen to good people.’ These aren’t just words of praise; they’re a direct challenge to the national selectors, implying a significant oversight in not considering Patidar for India duty.

The ‘India Call-Up’ Conundrum: Domestic Pedigree vs. IPL Stardom

Iyer’s frustration, on behalf of Patidar, highlights a long-standing debate in Indian cricket: the pathway from domestic excellence and IPL stardom to national team recognition. Patidar’s journey, as described by Iyer, dates back ‘like 10 years back’ to their Ranji Trophy days in 2016-17, where the MP team already felt he was destined for ‘bigger things’, even when he hadn’t yet amassed significant Ranji Trophy scores. This speaks to an intrinsic talent and temperament that experienced domestic cricketers recognize even before big numbers accumulate on scorecards.

While the IPL is often seen as a fast-track to international cricket, consistency over multiple seasons, across formats, and a proven ability to perform under varied conditions are often cited as key criteria for national selection. Patidar’s back-to-back IPL titles as captain, coupled with his batting contributions, certainly tick the ‘performance under pressure’ box in the T20 format. However, national selectors often look for a broader body of work, especially considering the different demands of Test and ODI cricket.

The sheer depth of talent in Indian cricket means that competition for national spots is fierce. Even players who shine brightly in the IPL might find themselves in a queue behind equally talented individuals who may have a longer track record in other formats or a specific role that the team management is looking to fill. The ‘snub,’ as Iyer perceives it, might be a consequence of this intense competition, or perhaps a preference for certain skill sets or past performances in other domestic tournaments.

A Decade of Promise: Patidar’s Journey

Iyer’s recollection of Patidar’s potential from ‘like 10 years back’ offers a poignant glimpse into the arduous journey of a domestic cricketer. Many talents toil for years in the Ranji Trophy, Vijay Hazare Trophy, and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, honing their skills away from the glare of international media. For a player to be identified as ‘top tier’ material even before significant runs have been scored speaks volumes about their innate ability and the faith of their peers.

This delayed recognition, as Iyer notes, with ‘good things eventually happen to good people,’ underscores the perseverance required. Patidar’s current success is not an overnight phenomenon but the culmination of a decade of hard work, self-belief, and continuous improvement. His ascension to a two-time IPL winning captain proves that sustained domestic performance and seizing opportunities in premier tournaments like the IPL can eventually lead to prominence.

Looking Ahead: What Next for Patidar?

With two IPL titles under his belt, Rajat Patidar’s stock has never been higher. His leadership qualities are undeniable, and his ability to perform when it matters most has been proven on the biggest T20 stage. The question now is whether this unprecedented success will finally translate into the national recognition Venkatesh Iyer so passionately advocates for.

Patidar’s strong showing might compel selectors to take a closer look, especially if India is eyeing fresh talent or a change in leadership dynamic for future T20 internationals. His calm approach, coupled with his proven ability to handle pressure and deliver results, makes a compelling case. Only time will tell if Iyer’s prophetic words will materialize, finally seeing Patidar don the national colours he has seemingly been destined for since his early domestic days.

The cricketing fraternity will be watching with keen interest to see if Patidar’s IPL success serves as the ultimate springboard, or if the national team’s deep talent pool continues to present a formidable barrier for this two-time IPL champion.

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