India’s batting in the second T20I against England has sparked a new controversy, with the veteran batsman. Irfan Pathan which means that team managers should seriously consider bringing Rajat Patidar sides to give better. India fielded up to seven left-handed batsmen in their playing XI at Old Trafford, including 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who became the latest left-hander to join the long-standing left-arm squad. Although Pathan did not describe the condition as an immediate problem, he believes the right-hander’s absence will make Patidar a tough man to work on as India continue to fine-tune their squad ahead of the T20 World Cup.
Irfan Pathan post
“Looking at the number of left-handed batsmen in the Indian T20 team right now, it’s one more reason for Team India to look at Rajat Patidar going forward,” Pathan wrote on X. “I hope he will get the chance, especially since there is still enough time for Team India to practice before the T20 World Cup.” Patidar cemented his case with an excellent IPL 2026 campaign, captaining Royal Challengers Bengaluru to a second consecutive title as he scored 501 runs in 14 innings. He maintained a strike rate of 192.69 and was one of the top scorers in the tournament. Despite representing India in three Tests and one ODI, the 33-year-old is still waiting for her T20I form. His home T20 record is equally impressive, with 3,389 runs from 106 innings at a rate of 160.08. India’s batting came under scrutiny after their four-wicket loss to England in Manchester. The defeat gave the hosts a 1-0 lead in the five-match series and marked India’s third defeat in their last four T20Is, with the remainder of the series unbeaten. Shreyas Iyer‘s side posted 190/7 after useful contributions from Abhishek SharmaIshan Kishan, who is the pilot and a late riser from Tilak Varma. However, England chased down the target with a lot of money, thanks mainly to Jacob Bethell’s unbeaten 76, Harry Brook’s explosive 39 and the help of Tom Banton. England’s bowling attack also impressed, and Sam CurranJofra Archer and Will Jacks are playing key roles in stopping India despite the visitors finishing with a solid run.
