The selection committee’s decision to exclude Rajat Patidar from India’s T20I squad for the Zimbabwe series has been sharply questioned by former Indian batter Hanuma Vihari, who claims that despite the captain’s outstanding record, the team management ignored his qualifications.
The three-match Twenty20 International series against Zimbabwe begins in Harare on Thursday, July 23. India is looking to recover from a 4-0 humiliation at the hands of England and a 2-0 defeat to Ireland. The Men in Blue have dropped their previous seven T20 matches.
The trip offers Shreyas Iyer’s troops a chance to make atonement following difficult times in the UK. “Rinku Singh was brought back, but where is Rajat Patidar? In addition to being a strong hitter, he guided RCB to two championships. He was not given the same consideration. The selectors have to make difficult decisions. Given that every member of the team is a left-hander, Patidar ought to have been given an opportunity.
Patidar or Samson, who are right-handers, ought to have been present given the abundance of left-handers. Hanuma Vihari stated on his YouTube channel, “Yes, Prabhsimran is there, but I don’t think he will play because Ishan Kishan will be the first choice wicketkeeper.”
Why did India prioritise Rajat Patidar over other factors?
Hanuma Vihari questioned other selection choices as well as the overall balance of the team. Patidar scored 486 runs with a strike rate of 196.76 in the 2026 Indian Premier League, yet despite his outstanding exploits this season, he was disregarded.
Hanuma Vihari also voiced his displeasure with the decisions not to choose Kuldeep Yadav and Sanju Samson.
“Kuldeep Yadav’s exclusion is a grave matter. He’s a skilled wrist-spinner. How come you didn’t play him? Additionally, you sent Prabhsimran for the Zimbabwe series if you didn’t want Sanju Samson. Alright. However, you didn’t even think about giving Rajat Patidar a chance.
Why should age be taken into account? “If you have taken many players who performed in the IPL, then why not Patidar?” questioned Hanuma Vihari . The club is full of left-handers thanks to you. Shreyas is the only right-hander,” he continued.
Starting on Thursday, July 23, and concluding on Sunday, July 26, the three-match series will take place at the Harare Sports Club. The Men in Blue will aim to end their losing trend and win their first bilateral series in the shortest format since winning the T20 World Cup in March 2026.
