Team India displayed dominance after a narrow 28-run loss in the first Test match at Hyderabad. With several inexperienced players in the middle order, it was a genuine test for India at home. However, all the youngsters passed their first major test with flying colors. Nevertheless, one player, despite having a strong reputation and past performances to justify his selection, has not delivered as hoped. Now it is time for the team management to test their bench players. One major change that is bound to happen is Devdutt Padikkal could well replace Rajat Patidar in the fifth test at Dharamsala.
Struggles Against Spin Despite Strong Record
Rajat Patidar, the talented right-handed batsman from Madhya Pradesh, consistently scored runs in domestic cricket. He was selected ahead of senior players Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane but warmed the bench in Hyderabad. Following an injury to KL Rahul, Patidar made his debut for India in the second Test at Vizag. In his first-ever Test innings, he appeared solid, defending the ball well and scoring 32 runs in the first innings. However, he failed to make a significant contribution in the second innings, departing for 9 runs.
Patidar’s debut was unremarkable, but he displayed glimpses of his talent through his strokeplay in Vizag. After a cautious start to his Test career, he had a good opportunity to solidify his place as a Test batsman in the favorable batting conditions at Rajkot. Unfortunately, he disappointed once again, dismissed for a duck in both innings. This was surprising as, despite his excellent average against spin, he struggled to score runs against England’s less experienced spin attack.
In the fourth Test played on a turning track, it was imperative for Patidar to play a substantial innings. However, he underperformed again, scoring only 17 runs in the first innings and being dismissed for a duck in the second. While it’s been a disappointing start to his Test career, we still hope he regains his form and performs well at the international level.
Will Devdutt Padikkal Make his Test Debut at Dharamsala?
Devdutt Padikkal possesses the perfect skillset to represent India. Brought in as an injury replacement for KL Rahul, he warmed the bench in the third and fourth Tests. With India securing the series victory 3-1, the doors could be open for Padikkal to make his Test debut in the fifth and final match.
Captain Rohit Sharma indirectly hinted at dropping Rajat Patidar during the press conference after the fourth Test match in Ranchi. He stated, “When you get opportunities, you make use of them, or else there are many players waiting to perform.” Having scored 556 runs in four matches for Karnataka in the 2023-24 Ranji Season, Padikkal is a strong contender to make his Test debut and replace Rajat Patidar in the playing XI.
