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Ruturaj Gaikwad to replace Virat Kohli: India National Cricket Team is set to host the Afghanistan National Cricket Team for a one-off Test on Saturday and a 3-match ODI series following it. Both squads have been announced, but due to injury issues, Virat Kohli has been ruled out of the series, and Rohit Sharma is also doubtful for the forthcoming matches.
Due to this, the selectors are likely to make changes to the side, with Ruturaj Gaikwad, the vice-captain for the India A side, likely to be called up to the senior team to replace Virat Kohli for the series, and Rajat Patidar might be the front-runner to join the India A squad, which will travel to Sri Lanka for a tri-series involving Afghanistan.
Ruturaj Gaikwad to play at No.3?
This is a massive opportunity for Ruturaj Gaikwad, as he has done well in the recent past for India in the 50-over format but has not been a regular for the side due to the presence of Shreyas Iyer in the squad. The decision comes after Kohli was ruled out of the Afghanistan series beginning on June 13 in Dharamsala owing to a hamstring injury sustained during the IPL final.
Ruturaj Gaikwad was not even in India A squad and was added as Riyan Parag was ruled out during the IPL, and the selection committee had added his name, and he was handed the responsibility to become the deputy of Tilak Varma, who is set to lead the side in the series.
Rajat Patidar to grab India A opportunity
With Ruturaj Gaikwad likely to be added to the main squad, this is a huge opportunity for Rajat Patidar to make full use of the opportunity he will get during the India A tour. The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) captain has been a sensational leader in the IPL and has also been in great form in recent times.
However, Rajat Patidar's role in the team has not been verified, as he will be replaced as vice-captain or play as a normal batter. The management is also thinking of bringing him into the T20I side, given his form and the consistency he has shown in the last few seasons of the IPL with RCB.
Virat Kohli's return date confirmed
The decision comes after Kohli was ruled out of the Afghanistan series beginning on June 13 in Dharamsala owing to a hamstring injury sustained during the IPL final. Kohli has been told to rest for at least two weeks, and while he may be fit for the last ODI on June 20, selectors are unlikely to include him in the series, which consists of only three ODIs.
However, as per the recent reports, Kohli will be available from the England series, which starts in July. This will be a key series for the former India captain looking back at his form in the 50-over as he finished off as the leading run-getter in the last series for the Men in Blue.
