(Image source: X.com)
[Saba Sports News] After India batter KL Rahul and star all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja were ruled out of the second Test of the ongoing five-match series against England, the 30-year-old Rajat Patidar is all set to make his debut for India. The next Test will commence on February 2 in Visakhapatnam, where the Rohit Sharma-led Indian side will be looking to bounce back after trailing behind in the series 1-0.
Patidar has been with the squad since in series commenced, but The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced three replacements for Rahul and Jadeja, namely, Sarfaraz Khan, Washington Sundar and Sourabh Kumar.
Jadeja, known for his agility between the wickets, suffered a hamstring strain on the fourth day of the first Test in Hyderabad while attempting to take a quick single. A magnificent underarm flick throw by England captain Ben Stokes to the bowler’s end ended Jadeja’s innings. Meanwhile, Rahul was ruled out of the second Test due to complaints of pain in his right quadriceps.
Both Patidar and Sarfaraz have been rewarded for their consistent performances in domestic cricket and have been included in the senior men’s Test team for the first time. While there were doubts about Sarfaraz’s debut, it seems almost certain that Patidar will fill the spot left vacant by Rahul.
Patidar’s first-class performances speak for themselves. The right-handed batsman has played 55 matches, scoring 4000 runs with an average of 45.9, which includes 12 centuries and 22 fifties.
Considering India’s batting failures in the first Test, there is a possibility that the hosts might opt for an extra batter this time, possibly Sarfaraz, who recently made 161 runs off 160 balls while playing for India A against England Lions in their second unofficial test. If Sarfaraz receives his debut cap, it would mean India goes with a lone pacer in the form of Jasprit Bumrah.
To fill the void left by Ravindra Jadeja, India have two options, left-arm wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav and Jadeja’s like-for-like replacement and uncapped player Sourabh. Considering there are already two potential debutants in Patidar and Sarfaraz, it is unlikely Sourabh will be chosen, meaning Kuldeep could get a nod from the team management. Notably, Kuldeep’s last Test appearance was in December 2022 against Bangladesh.