As India braces itself for a gripping five-match Test series against England, a significant development has stirred the cricketing landscape. Virat Kohli, the talismanic skipper, has withdrawn from the first two Tests due to personal reasons. In a surprising turn of events, the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) star Rajat Patidar has been named as Kohli’s replacement for the initial encounters against the formidable English side.
Virat Kohli’s Unfortunate Absence
The cricketing world was taken aback when the news broke about Virat Kohli opting out of the first two Tests against England. Kohli, a linchpin in the Indian batting order, cited personal reasons for his absence. The void left by the charismatic captain necessitated a strategic replacement, and the selectors turned their attention to the in-form Rajat Patidar.
Rajat Patidar’s Stellar Rise
Rajat Patidar, a 30-year-old right-handed batsman from Madhya Pradesh, has been making waves with his consistent performances. Having recently made his ODI debut for India against South Africa in December 2023, Patidar has wasted no time in leaving a lasting impression. His selection is not merely based on potential; it’s a recognition of his stellar form.
Test Call-Up and Competition Overcome
The inclusion of Rajat Patidar in the 16-member Test squad for the first two matches against England is a testament to his recent exploits. The RCB star faced tough competition from seasoned campaigners like Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane, and the promising Sarfaraz Khan. Patidar’s back-to-back centuries against the England Lions undoubtedly played a pivotal role in securing his maiden Test call-up.
Domestic Experience and First-Class Credentials
Patidar’s cricketing journey includes a substantial experience of 55 first-class matches, where he has showcased his batting prowess. With an impressive record of 4000 runs at an average of 45.97, Patidar brings a wealth of red-ball cricket experience to the Indian squad. Despite missing the IPL 2023 due to injury, he has rebounded emphatically, underlining his resilience and determination.
Eye-Catching Performances against England Lions
In the recent two-day practice match against the England Lions, Patidar exhibited his form with a noteworthy contribution of 111 runs. This performance was a prelude to the first unofficial Test, where he continued to dazzle with a splendid innings of 151 runs from 158 balls in the first inning. These consistent displays have earned him the trust of the selectors and the opportunity to don the Test cap.
Versatile Batting Position
While Patidar opened the innings on his ODI debut and for India A against the England Lions, his middle-order presence is likely in the Test matches. His ability to adapt and deliver in different batting positions adds a layer of versatility to the Indian squad.
India’s squad for first two Tests against England
Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, KS Bharat (wk), Dhruv Jurel (wk), Ravi Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Mukesh Kumar, Jasprit Bumrah (vc), Avesh Khan, Rajat Patidar
Also Read: India vs England Head to Head Records & Stats in Test Cricket – IND vs ENG 1st Test Match 2024
As India gears up for the first Test at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad, all eyes will be on Rajat Patidar. The RCB star, with a remarkable journey from domestic cricket to the international stage, now shoulders the responsibility of filling the void left by Virat Kohli. Patidar’s inclusion exemplifies the dynamic nature of Indian cricket, where emerging talents seamlessly blend with established stars. The series against England just became more intriguing with the unexpected twist of a new face in the lineup, and fans eagerly await Patidar’s contribution to the team’s success.