KL Rahul’s loss could turn out to be Rajat Patidar‘s gain as the wicketkeeper-batter is likely to keep his place as KL Rahul has been ruled out of the IND vs ENG 4th Test, starting on February 23 in Ranchi
Patidar made his debut in Vizag Test and was also part of Team India’s Playing XI in Rajkot Test. However, his performance with the bat and his mode of dismissals left the fans and pundits disappointed.
In the Vizag Test, the 30-year-old scored 32 and 9 in both the innings. Patidar then had a disastrous outing in both the innings of Rajkot Test where he managed 5 and 0, respectively.
Patidar was expected to be dropped from the playing XI after failing to impress in both Tests. However, with Rahul not recovering in time, the wicketkeeper-batter has been given a lifeline to redeem himself and cement his place in the team.
Lifeline and deadline for Rajat Patidar
Rahul, who played the first Test in Hyderabad, had to miss the next two Tests due to the injury he sustained in the series opener. He had to undergo rehab at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru and was named in the squad for the final three Tests, but was not cleared to play in Rajkot.
India, who lead the series 2-1, will be hoping that Patidar can find his form and contribute to the team’s cause in the Ranchi Test, which starts on Friday.
Another failure for Patidar could mean end of the road for the wicketkeeper in Test format.
Meanwhile, India will also be without their pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, who has been rested for the fourth Test as part of the workload management. Bumrah, who has taken 17 wickets in the series at an average of 13.65, is likely to be replaced by Mukesh Kumar.
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