Cricket News

‘Oh great news to start with’- Fans react as Rajat Patidar receives Test cap from Zaheer Khan on Day 1 of 2nd Test vs England

The second Test between India and England has kickstarted in the coastal city of Visakhapatnam and the biggest news so far is that of Madhya Pradesh batter, Rajat Patidar making his Test […]

Feb 2, 2024 10:16 am

The second Test between India and England has kickstarted in the coastal city of Visakhapatnam and the biggest news so far is that of Madhya Pradesh batter, Rajat Patidar making his Test debut. He replaces the KL Rahul who was ruled out of this game due to pain in his quadriceps. Patidar received his Test cap from none other than legendary Indian bowler Zaheer Khan in a pre-match ceremony.

This opportunity now throws the spotlight on Patidar. While not yet a household name, his domestic record speaks volumes of his skills. In 55 first-class matches, he has amassed over 4,000 runs at an average of 45.97, peppering his innings with 12 centuries and 22 fifties. Notably, he recently struck a couple of centuries in the shadow tour between India A and England Lions, showcasing his ability to thrive on big occasions.

Patidar to the rescue?

Patidar’s aggressive yet composed batting style has earned him a lot of praise from some senior figures in the game, adding further excitement to his Test debut. With India needing a strong showing after a disappointing first Test loss, Patidar’s attacking approach could be just what the team needs to counter England’s bowling attack. Patidar’s hunger and positive attitude could be his biggest assets. His ability to score quickly and put pressure on the bowlers could be crucial in setting the tempo for the Indian innings.

All eyes will be on Patidar as he strives to write his name in the history books with a memorable debut on the biggest stage. Fans could get to see him bat in India’s whites quite soon as Rohit Sharma won the toss and opted top bat first on a surface that looks pretty good for batting, at least as of now. Whether Patidar can overcome the challenge and deliver for India remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: his journey from domestic ranks to Test debut is an inspiring story of perseverance and talent, and his performance will be keenly watched by millions of cricket fans across the globe.