Pathan feels that the addition of Rajat Patidar will bring variety to the batting order. Patidar had an impressive IPL 2026 where he scored 501 runs in 14 innings at an excellent strike rate of 192.69, leading RCB to their second successive title. He has been knocking on the doors of the Indian T20I team, but has been kept at bay so far due to stiff competition. He has, however, represented India in three Tests and one ODI. He has a healthy record in T20s, having scored 3389 runs in 106 innings at a strike-rate of 160.08.
