Rajat Patidar has been ushered in to fill the void left by Virat Kohli for the initial duo of matches in the five-test series against England, as Kohli has stepped down for personal reasons. Set to make a comeback from the third Test, Kohli’s absence opened a spot for Patidar, who has integrated with the team in Hyderabad. An alumnus of the same event, the BCCI’s Naman Awards, Patidar is poised to embark on the Test beginning Thursday.
The Madhya Pradesh batsman, recognized for his aptitude in the long format and prowess in the No. 4 slot, is back in form after recuperating from an 8-month injury with a recent 151 against the England Lions in Ahmedabad. Having debuted internationally with an ODI against South Africa, Patidar’s selection over veterans like Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane hints at BCCI’s forward-looking approach, though Mumbai’s Sarfaraz Khan remains sidelined despite meritorious domestic performance.
Regarding Kohli’s absence, BCCI relayed his withdrawal from the first two Tests against England due to personal commitments, a decision met with support from captain Rohit Sharma and the team management. Calling for media discretion, BCCI affirmed their respect for his privacy and assured confidence in the team’s capability to rise to the occasion in the ensuing series.