Vikrant Gupta: Rajat Patidar vs Shreyas Iyer: Who Should Be India’s No.4? | IPL 2026

The discussion around Team India’s No.4 position in T20 cricket is becoming one of the most talked-about topics, especially with the rise of Rajat Patidar and the consistent performances of Shreyas Iyer. Both players have shown great ability in the middle order, particularly against spin bowling, which is a crucial skill in modern T20 cricket. Rajat Patidar has impressed everyone with his performances in the IPL, consistently delivering impactful innings at No.4. His calm approach, strong technique, and ability to accelerate make him a serious contender for a place in Team India. His biggest strength is his confidence against spinners, allowing him to dominate the middle overs and keep the scoreboard moving. On the other hand, Shreyas Iyer has already established himself as one of India’s best players of spin. His performances for Punjab Kings in IPL 2025 and IPL 2026 at No.4 have been outstanding, showing both consistency and maturity. Along with his batting, Iyer has also proven his leadership qualities, making him a strong candidate not just for a batting role but also for a leadership position in the Indian T20 setup. This brings up an important question—can Shreyas Iyer be considered as a future T20 captain for Team India? His experience, calm mindset, and ability to perform under pressure make him a solid leadership option. At the same time, Rajat Patidar represents the new generation of players who are hungry to prove themselves and bring fresh energy to the team. The challenge for selectors is to find the right balance between experience and new talent. While Iyer provides stability and leadership, Patidar offers fearless batting and current form. Both players have the ability to handle pressure and dominate spin, which makes this selection debate even more interesting. As Team India looks to build a strong T20 squad for the future, decisions like these will play a crucial role. Whether it’s sticking with an experienced player like Shreyas Iyer or giving an opportunity to an in-form player like Rajat