RCB batter Rajat Patidar to replace Virat Kohli in first two Tests against England: Reports
The Indian Cricket Board committee ended all the speculations about the replacement of Virat Kohli by adding right-handed batter Rajat Patidar for the first two tests vs England, starting from 25th January. […]
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Jan 24, 2024 1:33 pm
The Indian Cricket Board committee ended all the speculations about the replacement of Virat Kohli by adding right-handed batter Rajat Patidar for the first two tests vs England, starting from 25th January. The first two of the Tests will held in Hyderabad and Visakhapatnam, respectively. In an official Statement Indian Cricket Board officials mentioned naming a replacement soon.
“Virat Kohli has requested the Indian Cricket Board to be withdrawn from the first two Tests of the upcoming Test series against England, citing personal reasons,” the Indian Cricket Board said in an official statement.
“The Indian Cricket Board requests the media and fans to respect Virat Kohli’s privacy during this time and refrain from speculating on the nature of his personal reasons. The focus should remain on supporting the Indian cricket team as they embark on the upcoming challenges in the Test series,” the statement concluded.
Source: X
Rajat Patidar finally won the race on Tuesday
The choice was between the four players, respectively the Veteran Cheteshwar Pujara who has a huge experience of playing over 100 Tests for the nation, The consistent performer of the domestic circuits, Mumbai-based wicket-keeper Sarfaraz Khan, RCB (Royal Challengers Bangalore) batter Rajat Patidar and Team India’s new left-handed sensation Rinku Singh.
Rajat Patidar has been ruled out of IPL due to a heel injury in 2023. But he came back really well and just made his ODI debut for India, in the recent series against South Africa in Paarl a month ago, he scored 22 runs in just 16 balls but showed his class and fearless approach against the lethal bowling lineup against the Proteas.
The Madhya Pradesh batter has scored 33 runs off 67 balls in India A’s drawn match in South Africa. His recent form is excellent, Patidar was one of the brightest stars for India A against England Lions. Patidar scored a brilliant ton in the tour game and then followed up with another century in the first Unofficial Test. His ability to play in an attacking manner makes him a serious contender to take up the number 4 spot for India in the first 2 matches of the Test series in the place of Virat Kohli. He has scored 4000 runs at an average of 45.97 in 55 matches.
