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Hanuma Vihari has questioned the decision to leave Rajat Patidar out of India's T20I squad for the Zimbabwe series, saying the selectors ignored the RCB captain despite his impressive performances.
The series comes at an important time for the Men in Blue, who are looking to bounce back after a difficult period. India suffered a 2-0 defeat against Ireland and were then beaten 4-0 by England. The team is currently on a seven-match winless run in T20 cricket.
The Zimbabwe tour gives Shreyas Iyer's side a chance to regain confidence after their disappointing results in the United Kingdom.
Why Rajat Patidar excluded?
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Vihari questioned why Patidar was not included in the squad despite his strong IPL performances.
"Rinku Singh was brought back, but where is Rajat Patidar? He led RCB to titles in two seasons and also performed well as a batter. He was not considered as well. These are hard calls from the selectors. Patidar should have been given a chance, especially because if you look at the team, all are left-handers. With so many left-handers, Patidar or Samson as right-handers should have been there. Yes, Prabhsimran is there, but I don't think he will play because Ishan Kishan will be the first choice wicketkeeper," Vihari said on his YouTube channel.
Vihari also raised concerns about India's squad balance and questioned the absence of experienced players like Kuldeep Yadav and Sanju Samson.
Patidar's IPL 2026 season
Patidar had an excellent IPL 2026 season, scoring 486 runs at a strike rate of 196.76, but he still missed out on selection. Vihari felt that his performances should have earned him an opportunity.
"It's a serious case of why Kuldeep Yadav has not been included. He is a wrist-spinner with experience. Why did you not play him? Also, if you did not want Sanju Samson for the Zimbabwe series, you sent Prabhsimran. Fine. But you did not even consider giving an opportunity to Rajat Patidar. Why should age be a factor?" Vihari asked.
"If you have taken many players who performed in the IPL, then why not Patidar? You have filled the team with left-handers. There is no right-hander apart from Shreyas," he added.
The three-match T20I series will begin at the Harare Sports Club on Thursday, July 23, with all matches scheduled to be played at the same venue. India will be hoping to end their poor run and secure their first bilateral T20I series win since lifting the T20 World Cup trophy in March 2026.