Rajat Patidar Chosen as Virat Kohli’s Replacement for First Two Tests Against England

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced Rajat Patidar as the replacement for Virat Kohli in the Indian squad for the first two Tests against England. Kohli will be absent from the matches in Hyderabad and Visakhapatnam due to personal reasons. Patidar emerged as the unanimous choice of the selection committee and team management, beating out other contenders such as Cheteshwar Pujara, Sarfaraz Khan, and Rinku Singh.

Patidar’s Unanimous Selection:

Rajat Patidar was the unanimous choice of the BCCI selection committee and team management to replace Virat Kohli in the Indian squad. This decision indicates that the selectors have opted against going back to the experienced duo of Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane.

Patidar’s Impressive Performance:

Patidar’s inclusion in the squad was influenced by his exceptional performance for India A against the England Lions. He scored two centuries in his last three innings, including a remarkable 151-run knock in the four-day game. His ability to score quickly against both pace and spin played a crucial role in his selection.

Delayed Debut Due to Injury:

Despite being in contention for some time, Rajat Patidar’s debut was delayed due to an Achilles heel injury that required surgery. The injury kept him away from the game for nearly eight months. However, he finally made his India debut in the third ODI against South Africa, where he opened the batting and scored 22 runs.

Patidar’s Red-Ball Prowess:

Known for his temperament and ability to score quickly, Patidar has proven himself in red-ball cricket. He boasts a first-class average of 46 in 55 matches, showcasing his prowess with the red ball. His decent performance in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, where he scored 315 runs in six innings with an average of 52.50, further solidified his credentials.

Pujara and Other Contenders Miss Out:

Cheteshwar Pujara, Sarfaraz Khan, and Rinku Singh missed out on the opportunity to replace Virat Kohli in the Test squad. Despite Pujara’s experience, the selectors opted for the younger Patidar. Sarfaraz Khan, who has been the most prolific red-ball batter in the Indian domestic circuit, will have to wait for his maiden call-up.

FAQs:

1. Who will replace Virat Kohli in the Indian squad for the first two Tests against England?

   • Rajat Patidar has been chosen as Virat Kohli’s replacement.

2. Why was Rajat Patidar selected over Cheteshwar Pujara and others?

   • Patidar’s impressive performance in recent matches, including two centuries, made him the unanimous choice of the selection committee and team management.

3. What delayed Rajat Patidar’s debut in international cricket?

   • Patidar’s debut was delayed due to an Achilles heel injury that required surgery, keeping him away from the game for eight months.

4. What is Rajat Patidar’s red-ball prowess?

   • Patidar has a first-class average of 46 in 55 matches, showcasing his ability to perform consistently with the red ball.

5. Which other contenders missed out on replacing Kohli in the Test squad?

   • Cheteshwar Pujara, Sarfaraz Khan, and Rinku Singh missed out on the opportunity to replace Virat Kohli.