With the series win already secured, India is set to give struggling middle-order batsman Rajat Patidar one more chance to prove himself in the fifth and final Test against England, starting on March 7th in Dharamsala. This decision comes despite Patidar’s underwhelming performance in the three Tests he has played so far.
Patidar Gets Another Shot at Redemption
According to a report in the Indian Express, the team management believes in Patidar’s talent and wants to give him another opportunity to find his form. “The team wants Patidar to get one more chance, as they feel Patidar has talent and it’s a matter of time before he gets runs,” a source was quoted as saying. With India already in a commanding position, the focus seems to be on providing opportunities to young players like Patidar rather than handing out Test debuts.
This decision comes as a surprise to some who expected Devdutt Padikkal, included in the squad as a replacement for KL Rahul, to take Patidar’s place. Patidar has managed just 63 runs across his six innings in the series, averaging a meagre 10.50. Padikkal, on the other hand, remains untested on the international stage.
India Looks to Seal Dominant Series Win
Dominating the series 3-1 after victories in Visakhapatnam, Rajkot, and Ranchi, India has a golden opportunity to secure a resounding 4-1 win. A victory in Dharamsala would not only solidify their dominance over England but also earn them valuable points in the ongoing World Test Championship. Captain Rohit Sharma will be keen to see his team continue their impressive run and potentially finish the series on a high note.
Adding firepower to their bowling attack, Jasprit Bumrah, rested for the fourth Test in Ranchi, is back in the squad and set to play in Dharamsala. Bumrah’s return provides a significant boost to India’s bowling unit, which has already performed exceptionally well throughout the series.
India’s decision to retain Patidar reflects their commitment to developing young talent. While his scores haven’t reflected his potential so far, the team management seems confident he can turn things around. With the series already secured, this approach allows them to experiment and assess players for future challenges. The upcoming Test promises to be an exciting encounter, with India aiming for a series sweep and England desperate to salvage some pride.
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