Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) captain Rajat Patidar has strengthened his case for a place in India’s ODI squad for the upcoming five-match series against New Zealand after scoring back-to-back half-centuries in the ongoing one-day series between India A and Australia A.
Patidar has scored fifties in both matches of the three-game series at the Cricket Association Puducherry Siechem Ground in Puducherry. With the BCCI selectors expected to announce India’s squad for the New Zealand series in the coming days, the right-handed batter has given himself a strong chance of being considered for selection.
The 32-year-old scored 53 off 51 balls while batting at No. 5 in the series opener on Tuesday. He followed it up with a knock of 67 off 81 deliveries at No. 4 in the second match on Friday, October 9. Patidar struck five fours and a six in the first game before hitting three fours and a six in the second.
Patidar made his ODI debut for India against South Africa in December 2023 but has had limited opportunities at the international level. His recent performances for India A could put him back in contention as the selectors look to strengthen their middle-order options ahead of the New Zealand series.
The Madhya Pradesh batter has also enjoyed considerable success in the Indian Premier League (IPL), leading RCB to back-to-back titles in 2025 and 2026. His performances in the two matches against Australia A have further highlighted his ability to contribute in the middle order.
Patidar could be considered as a backup middle-order batter alongside Ruturaj Gaikwad, who has also featured in both unofficial ODIs against Australia A. However, Gaikwad has struggled to make an impact, scoring 15 and 12 in the two matches while batting at No. 4 and No. 3, respectively.
With one match remaining in the series, Patidar will have another opportunity to impress the selectors and strengthen his claim for a place in India’s ODI squad for the upcoming New Zealand series.
