BCCI to release struggling Rajat Patidar from Test squad if... - Reports

The future of Rajat Patidar in Test cricket looks under real threat. As per the reports in the Times of India, it is learned that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is all set to release the batter from the squad for the last Test against Dharamsala.

This is because BCCI wants Rajat Patidar to play the Ranji Trophy semi-final for Madhya Pradesh against Vidarbha on March 2. The batter hasn’t been able to make a mark for the team in the ongoing series against England and his form was one of the biggest concerns for the team in the last few games.

Rajat Patidar made his debut for India in Tests in the second game in Vizag. He played a decent knock on his debut, scoring 32 runs. But since then he has been horrible with the bat. The batter has failed drastically and even has bagged two ducks. The right-hander has thrown his wickets away and has come under scrutiny.

A source close to Times of India claimed that if KL Rahul gets fit for the final game then Rajat Patidar will be released from the squad. However, if the senior batter didn’t attain match fitness then Patidar might be asked to stay. He added:

“Ideally, the team management would want to see Patidar go back to play the Ranji semifinal and find some form. But that depends on Rahul’s availability. If Rahul is unavailable then he may be asked to stay back with the team. Even if Devdutt Padikkal makes his debut in the last Test, the team management needs an extra batter in the team as a concussion substitute.”

Rajat Patidar joined the India team as a replacement for Virat Kohli, who pulled out of the Test series due to personal reasons. With all the hype and big reputation around him, it was expected that Patidar would fill in the shoes of Kohli. But he has been an utter disappointment and it won’t be a surprise if he gets dropped for the last game.

The reports have claimed that the way Rajat Patidar has got out in the series has worried the selectors. This is because they expected the No.4 batter to bat with maturity and take command of the game, which hasn’t been the case for them in the ongoing series.

Apart from Rajat Patidar,  KL Rahul’s fitness is a big concern for BCCI 

KL Rahul’s fitness has been concerning BCCI a lot ahead of the fifth Test against England. The batter reportedly has traveled to London for treatment. He consulted a specialist after he continued to feel discomfort in his right quadriceps.

Recently BCCI mentioned that KL Rahul has attained 90% fitness as NCA didn’t find anything worrisome. However, despite that batter experienced pain which is why BCCI decided to send him to London.

The source in BCCI claimed that the medical team has noted some inflammation and the doctor in London wants to check him personally. He explained:

“The medical team thought Rahul was good to go for the last three Tests. But he complained of discomfort. He is a bit concerned about it. He has endured a heavy workload while keeping wickets in the World Cup and the Test series in South Africa.

“Multiple scans have been done on his quads. While there is nothing very concerning, some inflammation has been noted. The reports were sent to the doctor who treated him in England. Eventually, the doctor asked him to travel to England so that he could personally check what was wrong with Rahul.”

The series between India and England stays 3-1 in favor of the hosts. The last match of the series will be played from 7th March in Dharamsala.