(Image Source: PTI)
[Saba Sports News] The Indian cricket team faces a significant challenge as Virat Kohli, a key player, has withdrawn from the first two Tests of the upcoming five-match series against England due to personal reasons. Kohli’s absence is notable, considering his outstanding track record against England, with 1991 runs at an average of 42.36, including five centuries and nine fifties.
Finding a replacement for Kohli presents a daunting task for the selectors, as they seek to identify suitable candidates from the domestic circuit to fill the void left by a player of Kohli’s caliber. However, there are a few emerging talents who have been making a mark with their recent performances. Let’s explore three players who could potentially step in for Kohli in the first two Tests against England.
Cheteshwar Pujara: Regarded as an ideal successor to the legendary Rahul Dravid, Pujara was dropped from the Test team after a disappointing performance in the World Test Championship final 2023 against Australia. Nonetheless, the 35-year-old returned to domestic cricket, where he currently leads in runs scored this Ranji season, amassing 444 runs from five innings at an average of 111. Pujara recently joined an elite group of Indian players with over 20,000 First Class runs. With 103 Test matches under his belt, Pujara is a prime candidate to replace Kohli.
Sarfaraz Khan: Despite consistently delivering high-scoring performances in domestic cricket, 26-year-old Sarfaraz Khan has been overlooked by selectors. His impressive run began in the 2019-20 Ranji Trophy season, and he has continued to score heavily since. Recently, he made a strong case for selection with a 96-run innings against the England Lions, showcasing his ability to play spin well.
Rajat Patidar: Patidar has been in exceptional form over the past two Ranji Trophy seasons. His recent performances include a commanding 151 for India A against the England Lions and a notable 111 in a warm-up match. The 30-year-old right-handed batter has consistently demonstrated his skills and could be a strong contender to fill Kohli’s spot in the first two Tests.