Former India batsman Hanuma Vihari has strongly questioned the selection committee’s decision to keep Rajat Patidar out of India’s T20I squad for the Zimbabwe series, alleging that despite the RCB captain’s great record, team management ignored his qualifications.
The three-match Twenty20 International series against Zimbabwe will begin on Thursday, July 23, in Harare. India is trying to rebound from a 2-0 defeat to Ireland and a 4-0 humiliation at the hands of England. In T20 cricket, the Men in Blue have lost their last seven games. The trip provides an opportunity for Shreyas Iyer’s men to make amends after a tumultuous time in the UK.
However, Rajat Patidar remains missing. He guided RCB to two championships in two seasons while also excelling as a batter. He did not receive the same consideration. These are difficult decisions for the selectors. Patidar deserved a shot, especially because the entire team is made up of left-handed players.
With so many left-handers, Patidar or Samson, both right-handers, should have been there. Yes, Prabhsimran is present, but I doubt he will play because Ishan Kishan will be the first-choice wicketkeeper,” Hanuma Vihari stated on his YouTube channel.
Why did India chose Rajat Patidar over balance considerations?
Hanuma Vihari questioned the team’s general balance and other selection judgements. Despite his great exploits this season, Patidar was overlooked, despite scoring 486 runs with a strike rate of 196.76 in the 2026 Indian Premier League.
Hanuma Vihari also expressed dissatisfaction with the decision not to select Sanju Samson and Kuldeep Yadav.
“There is a serious reason why Kuldeep Yadav was not included. He is an experienced wrist spinner. Why didn’t you play him? Also, if you didn’t want Sanju Samson in the Zimbabwe series, you sent Prabhsimran. Fine.
However, you did not even consider giving Rajat Patidar an opportunity. “Why should age be an issue?” Vihari enquired: “If you have taken many players who performed in the IPL, why not Patidar?” You’ve stacked the team with left-handers. “There is no right-hander except Shreyas,” he added.
The three-game series begins Thursday, July 23, at the Harare Sports Club and concludes on Sunday, July 26. Since winning the T20 World Cup in March 2026, the Men in Blue will attempt to end their losing run and win their first bilateral series in the shortest format.
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