Rajat Patidar has been chosen as the replacement for Virat Kohli in the Indian squad for the first two Tests against England, as confirmed by the BCCI selection committee led by Ajit Agarkar. Virat Kohli will be absent from the matches in Hyderabad and Visakhapatnam due to personal reasons, and the selectors opted for Patidar to fill the void. The decision came after considering experienced options like Cheteshwar Pujara and younger candidates like Sarfaraz Khan and Rinku Singh.
In an official statement, the BCCI requested respect for Kohli’s privacy and mentioned that a replacement would be named soon. Although Patidar is unlikely to make his Test debut immediately, with Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul expected to bat in the middle-order, his inclusion provides additional depth to the squad. Patidar, a right-handed batter from Madhya Pradesh, was present at the BCCI annual awards, Naman, with the rest of the Indian team members in Hyderabad, reinforcing his role in the squad for the upcoming Tests.
Rajat Patidar Emerges as Consensus Pick to Replace Virat Kohli:
Rajat Patidar emerged as the unanimous choice for the selection committee and team management to replace Virat Kohli in the Indian squad for the first two Tests against England. This decision suggests a clear intention not to revert to the experienced duo of Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane. Despite Sarfaraz Khan’s prolific performances in domestic cricket, Patidar’s recent form, including two centuries in three innings for India A against England Lions, played a crucial role in his selection.
Patidar’s standout performance was a 151-run knock in the last four-day game for India A, which likely influenced the decision-makers. Although Patidar faced setbacks due to an Achilles heel injury that required surgery, he made a successful comeback, earning his India cap in the third ODI against South Africa.
Known for his temperament and ability to score quickly against pace and spin, Patidar’s decent Vijay Hazare Trophy performance last year, where he scored 315 runs in six innings with an average of 52.50 and an impressive strike rate of 104.30, showcased his capabilities. With a first-class average of 46 in 55 matches, Patidar brings red-ball prowess to the squad.
Initially part of India A’s squad for matches against England Lions, Patidar’s inclusion in the Test team was facilitated by Rinku Singh’s selection in the India A squad after Kohli’s unavailability. This move underlines the selectors’ confidence in Patidar’s abilities and form.
Disclaimer:
The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a health advice. We would ask you to consult a qualified professional or medical expert to gain additional knowledge before you choose to consume any product or perform any exercise.
