Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) captain Rajat Patidar has strengthened his case for an India ODI recall with consecutive half-centuries in the ongoing three-match unofficial ODI series between India A and Australia A in Puducherry. His consistent performances could put him in contention for the upcoming five-match ODI series against New Zealand in November.
With the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) selectors expected to announce the squad soon, Patidar has made the most of his opportunity to impress. The right-handed batter scored 53 off 51 balls in the series opener on Tuesday before following it up with 67 off 81 deliveries in the second match on Friday, October 9.
Patidar batted at No. 5 in the first game, hitting five fours and a six. He moved up to No. 4 for the second one-dayer, where he struck three boundaries and one six. His ability to contribute from different positions in the middle order could strengthen his credentials as a potential backup option for India’s ODI setup.
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The RCB captain, who led the franchise to consecutive IPL titles in 2025 and 2026, has already demonstrated his leadership and batting credentials in the Indian Premier League. His latest performances for India A could now help him push for another opportunity at the international level. Patidar made his ODI debut against South Africa in December 2023.
Rajat Patidar with a touch of class! 👌
Team India A keep the scoreboard ticking as #RajatPatidar and #NishantSindhu rebuild the innings. 🏏
#INDAvAUSA | 2nd ODI | 👉 Streaming Live Now
https://t.co/TdrWjQDzcV https://t.co/hgCRX0XCbE— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) October 9, 2026
Ruturaj Gaikwad is another batter being considered for a possible middle-order role in India’s ODI squad. However, unlike Patidar, Gaikwad has struggled to make an impression in the first two matches against Australia A.
The right-handed batter scored 15 runs while batting at No. 4 in the opening match before managing just 12 at No. 3 in the second game. His performances have left him with ground to make up as the selectors assess India’s options ahead of the New Zealand series. Karnataka batter Devdutt Padikkal has also endured a disappointing start to the series despite his strong record in List A cricket.
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Padikkal was dismissed for a six-ball duck while batting at No. 3 in the first match. Promoted to open in the second one-dayer, he managed only one run off 10 deliveries before being caught by Tanveer Sangha off Spencer Johnson’s bowling in the fifth over. With the India ODI squad announcement approaching, Patidar’s consecutive half-centuries have given him valuable momentum, while Gaikwad and Padikkal will need stronger performances to improve their selection prospects.
