‘I really hope he gets an opportunity’ - Irfan Pathan backs Rajat Patidar for India's T20I squad

Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has thrown his weight behind Rajat Patidar, urging the selectors to include the Royal Challengers Bengaluru captain in India's T20I squad following the team's defeat to England in the second T20I at Old Trafford, Manchester.

Pathan believes Patidar's presence would bring greater balance to India's batting unit, especially with the current lineup featuring several left-handed batters. He stressed that the right-handed batter has consistently shown the temperament and ability to perform under pressure and deserves an opportunity at the international level. With the next T20 World Cup on the horizon, Pathan urged the team management to back Patidar and give him enough chances to establish himself in India's white-ball setup.

"Looking at the number of left-hand batters in the Indian T20 team right now, it's even more of a reason for Team India to look at Rajat Patidar going forward. I really hope he gets an opportunity, especially since there is still plenty of time for Team India to experiment before the next T20 World Cup," Pathan wrote on X.

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Pathan's comments came after India posted 190/7 despite making a promising start against England in the second T20I. The visitors raced to 65/2 during the powerplay but were unable to maintain the momentum, eventually falling short of the 200-run mark.

England responded with a composed chase, securing a four-wicket victory thanks to Jacob Bethell's unbeaten 76. Harry Brook and Tom Banton also made valuable contributions to guide the hosts home. Reflecting on the contest, Pathan praised Bethell's match-winning knock and said India missed a golden opportunity to post a more challenging total after their strong start with the bat.

"Jacob Bethell is a top quality player. He gave us near heart attack in the semi final of the World Cup. Today he kept waiting for one big over in the run chase. Once he got it was all over. India should have got more than 200 specially the kind of start they got," Pathan wrote.