Royal Challengers Bangalore batter Rajat Patidar has reportedly replaced Virat Kohli in the Team India squad ahead of the first Test against England, starting on January 25 at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad.
Kohli had withdrawn from Two Tests against Ben Stokes-led side as he returned home due to personal reasons. The former India captain already communicated to skipper Rohit Sharma, team management and selectors about his reason behind withdrawing from initial Two games of the five-match Test series.
Since Kohli made himself unavailable for Two Tests against England, there have been debate over who could be possible replacement for star batter. Cheteshwar Pujara's name was making a buzz due to performances in the ongoing Ranji Trophy 2023-24. However, BCCI picked Rajat Patidar over Pujara. It has been reported that Patidar joined India squad in Hyderabad on Tuesday.
Rajat Patidar was part of the India A squad against England Lions in an unofficial Test match. The 30-year-old has been in best of his form of late, which was evident by his knock of 51 against England Lions in the first innings of the match.
The Madhya Pradesh batter travelled to South Africa with India A squad for four-day unofficial Test match against Proteas A team last year.
Rajat Patidar's First-Class career
Rajat Patidar has been one of the most consistent performers for Madhya Pradesh since his Ranji Trophy debut in 2015. In his debut season, the 30-year-old amassed 565 runs, including 3 centuries and a fifty, at an average of 47.08 in 12 innings.
In 2018-19 Ranji Trophy season, Patidar was the highest run-getter for Madhya Pradesh, mustering 713, including a century and 5 fifties, at an average 54.84 in 14 innings.
In 2022 Ranji Trophy, Rajat Patidar was one of the instrumental players in helping Madhya Pradesh clinch their maiden title of prestigious domestic tournament by defeating Mumbai in the final. He was the second-highest run-getter of the season, aggregating 658 runs, including two centuries and 5 fifties, at an impressive average of 82.25 in nine innings.
In FC cricket career, Rajat Patidar has amassed 4000 runs, including 12 centuries and 22 fifties, at an average of 45.97 in 93 innings.
