Rajat Patidar And Kuldeep Yadav Could Be Likely Replacements In India’s Playing 11 For KL Rahul And Ravindra Jadeja. Team India has added Sarfaraz Khan, Sourabh Kumar, and Washington Sundar to the squad for the second Test against England in Vizag. The second Test match is scheduled to start on 2nd February 2024 in Vizag. India have lost the first Test match by 28 runs, and will now look to bounce back in the upcoming matches.
India’s Playing 11 for the 2nd Test vs England
The anticipated playing 11 for the second Test against England showcases changes necessitated by the unfortunate injuries. Rajat Patidar, who replaced Virat Kohli in the squad ahead of the first Test, is likely to step in for KL Rahul, while Kuldeep Yadav, the spinner waiting for an opportunity, is expected to fill the void left by Ravindra Jadeja.
Here’s the predicted playing 11:
1. Yashasvi Jaiswal
2. Rohit Sharma (c)
3. Sarfaraz Khan
4. Rajat Patidar
5. Shreyas Iyer
6. KS Bharat (wk)
7. Ravichandran Ashwin
8. Washington Sundar
9. Axar Patel
10. Kuldeep Yadav
11. Jasprit Bumrah
Also Read: India vs England Head to Head Test Records & Stats – IND vs ENG 2nd Test Today Match 2024
Why Patidar for Rahul?
Rajat Patidar, selected as Kohli’s replacement, signifies the team management’s vision of him as a key player, particularly in the crucial number four position. Patidar’s recent performances, including consecutive centuries against the England Lions in practice games, highlight his form and capability. His impressive record in domestic cricket, amassing 4000 runs with an average of 45.97 in 55 matches, solidifies his case for a spot in the Test playing 11. With no fitness concerns, Patidar emerges as the natural choice to fill Rahul’s shoes.
Why Kuldeep for Jadeja?
The absence of Jadeja opens the door for Kuldeep Yadav, a talented chinaman spinner, to inject variety into the bowling attack. Kuldeep’s ability to bring a different dimension compared to orthodox left-arm spinners like Sourabh Kumar and Axar Patel adds strategic value. His last Test appearance against Bangladesh in 2022 saw him claim eight wickets, showcasing his prowess. While Sourabh impressed with a five-wicket haul against the England Lions, Kuldeep’s proven talent, both with the ball and the bat, earns him a deserving chance.
Sarfaraz’s Opportunity?
Sarfaraz Khan, having displayed stellar performances in First-Class cricket with a remarkable average of 69, presents a compelling case for inclusion. His scores of 96 and 161 against the England Lions underscore his current form. With Shubman Gill facing a dip in form and struggling to cross the 50-run mark in his last 10 Test innings, Sarfaraz could challenge for a spot in the playing 11. A potential adjustment may see Patidar moving to number three, allowing Sarfaraz to bat at four, his preferred position.