Rajat Patidar to be dropped from 5th Test vs England? AB de Villiers' stunning revelation on his former RCB teammate

Former South African captain AB de Villiers feels that the Indian team management may persist with Rajat Patidar for the upcoming fifth and final Test. AB de Villiers stated that Rajat Patidar will be offered a longer run in the team, considering his skills and potential.

Rajat Patidar made his Test debut during the second Test of the series against England in Visakhapatnam. The right-handed batter scored a decent 32 runs in his first innings. However, Patidar failed to impress with his batting performances in the next five innings.

The Madhya Pradesh cricketer registered scores of 32, 9, 5, 0, 17, and 0 during his first three games. Patidar has scored 63 runs in five innings at a disappointing average of 10.5. He missed the opportunity to shine in his maiden Test series for the Indian cricket team.

Rajat Patidar Not Having The Series Of A Lifetime – AB de Villiers

In a video shared on his YouTube channel, AB de Villiers commented on Rajat Patidar’s performance, noting that Patidar hasn’t had a remarkable series. However, de Villiers stated that India’s strong team culture may still favor him.

“Rajat Patidar not having the series of a lifetime or the one to remember. But the good thing about this Indian team and the culture is that you will survive in that side because of the great cricket they are playing and the results coming their way,” De Villiers said.

“If his attitude is catchy and if he is a likable character in the dressing room, Rohit and the selection panel will have the ability to say, ‘Hold on, we do believe this guy has a future and we see him as a part of the team moving forward. Even though he hasn’t been scoring runs, let’s give him a longer run,'” he added.

The BCCI has confirmed KL Rahul’s absence from the fifth Test in Dharamshala, leaving India to choose between Patidar and another debutant, Devdutt Padikkal. Rahul has traveled to the United Kingdom for consultations and treatment, ruling him out of the fifth Test.

There Has Got To Be A Good Culture In The Team – AB de Villiers

AB de Villiers highlighted the Indian team’s ability to consistently perform, with different individuals stepping up, indicating a robust team culture that nurtures both experienced players and emerging talents.

“It’s just incredible how these guys keep on performing, and it’s not always the same guys, which tells me there’s a really good culture in this team, keeping in mind the youngsters coming through as well. There has got to be a good culture in the team if you get youngsters and different players to stand up every time,” De Villiers further stated.

India has secured a 3-1 lead in the ongoing five-match series against England, with one match remaining. Despite the series outcome already being determined, both teams have the opportunity to earn 12 World Test Championship (WTC) points in Dharamshala.

The final test is scheduled to be played at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium from March 7 to 11. India aims to strengthen its position in the championship.

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