‘Great opportunity for him’ – Fans react as Rajat Patidar set to replace Virat Kohli for first two Tests vs England

As per reports, Rajat Patidar receives maiden Test call-up for the India vs England Test series. As Indian batter, Virat Kohli has made himself unavailable due to personal for the first two Test matches in the 5-match test series against the Three Lions.

Rajat Patidar’s confidence has been boosted as he has scored two centuries for India A against England Lions. He also scored 151 runs in an unofficial Test match against the England Lions. In first-class cricket, he has scored 12 centuries and has smashed 4000 runs with an average of 45.97

Rajat Patidar made his ODI for India in the third ODI game against South Africa. In the third ODI against South Africa, Rajat Patidar came alongside Sai Sudharsan to open the innings. For the Madhya Pradesh cricket team in domestic cricket, Patidar has played a major role in winning their 1st news title in 2022. Patidar has scored 658 runs and was the second-highest run-getter in the 2022 season. In the final match, he smashed 122 runs in the first innings against Mumbai.

Sarfaraz Khan’s dream to play for India is on hold

Rajat Patidar’s call-up has again put a long wait for Sarfaraz Khan. In the 2022 season of the Ranji Trophy, he scored 982 runs. Sarfaraz has also put in a strong performance for India A in South Africa tour. He scored 68 runs against South Africa A.  Sarfaraz also played with Patidar and scored 96 runs in the first innings with a strike rate of 87.27 he smashed 11 fours and 1 six. In 44 matches in first-class cricket, his average is 68.20 and includes 13 centuries.

Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul will play at No.4 and No.5 position. Rahul Dravid has confirmed that KL Rahul won’t be doing keeping which means KS Bharat will take gloves. India hasn’t lost a series at home since 2012. This is a big task for the England Team.

Here is how fans reacted to the news:

https://twitter.com/Pankaj41627/status/1749979931973665005

https://twitter.com/BoronKohli/status/1749979853544395057

Good Decision by Indian team
Rajat Patidar is a good Test player

— Muhammad Tauqeer Hussain (@Tauqeer610890) January 24, 2024

oh no, this sends the wrong message to players grinding it in the domestic circuit. Sarfraz piled up runs only for other players to be picked in squad!

— Sæn (@TheHelmetPunch) January 24, 2024

congratulations man in form patitar pic.twitter.com/yuxc2vthrd

— Messi Fan (@George_leo453) January 24, 2024

https://twitter.com/bhaskar_sanu08/status/1749980261419512161?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1749980261419512161%7Ctwgr%5E1c8d5712cf88b1d6b57619501a288a23c9db50e9%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fpublish.twitter.com%2F%3Furl%3Dhttps%3A%2F%2Ftwitter.com%2Fbhaskar_sanu08%2Fstatus%2F1749980261419512161

feel sad for him pic.twitter.com/YoBhRjzXdi

— Messi Fan (@George_leo453) January 24, 2024

Probably wont get chance in starting 11 but happy for him

— Sameer K. (@Sameer_knl18) January 24, 2024