Virat Kohli's Replacement for Test Series: Background and Speculations
The Board of Control for Cricket in India's (BCCI) selection committee, led by Ajit Agarkar, recently put an end to all speculations regarding Virat Kohli‘s replacement for the first two Tests against England. Kohli is set to miss the matches in Hyderabad and Visakhapatnam due to personal reasons.
The selection committee had the challenging task of choosing between experienced Cheteshwar Pujara and the young talents Rajat Patidar, Sarfaraz Khan, and Rinku Singh.
Rajat Patidar Secures the Spot
On Tuesday night, it was officially confirmed that Rajat Patidar had secured the coveted spot in the Indian squad. Patidar, a right-handed batter from Madhya Pradesh, emerged as the unanimous choice of both the selection committee and the team management.
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Unveiling Patidar's Journey
Patidar's journey to the Indian Test squad has not been without hurdles. Despite being in contention for some time, an Achilles heel injury that required surgery kept him away from the game for nearly eight months. However, he finally earned his India cap when selected for the third ODI against South Africa at Paarl, scoring a brisk 22 while opening the batting.
Patidar's Cricketing Prowess
Known for his temperament and ability to score quickly against both pace and spin, Patidar has a notable domestic record. His performance in the last Vijay Hazare Trophy, where he scored 315 runs in six innings with an average of 52.50 and a striking strike rate of 104.30, showcases his capabilities. With a first-class average of 46 in 55 matches, Patidar's red-ball prowess has earned him a well-deserved spot in the Test squad.
The Road Ahead
Although Patidar is unlikely to make his Test debut immediately, the selectors have opted for him due to the unavailability of other specialist batters in the reserves. As India faces England in the upcoming Tests, all eyes will be on Patidar's potential contribution in the middle order.
In summary, Rajat Patidar's inclusion in the Indian Test squad serves as a testament to his resilience, skill, and consistent performance in domestic cricket, marking a significant milestone in his cricketing journey.
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