Promising Devdutt Padikkal poised for Test debut amidst Rajat Patidar’s string of low scores- Reports

India has orchestrated a remarkable turnaround in the ongoing Test series against England, bouncing back from a first-match defeat in Hyderabad to claim a commanding 3-1 lead. The series victory in the fourth Test was a testament to their resilience and determination, as they have won games despite being put under immense pressure.

Now, with the series poised for a thrilling conclusion in Dharamsala, India’s sights are firmly set on securing a resounding 4-1 victory. A triumph would not only solidify their dominance over England but also help them claim firm control in terms of the World Test Championship points table. This crucial match carries immense weight, and the Indian team is determined to deliver a performance worthy of champions.

One of the most heartening aspects of India’s success has been the contribution of their young players who have embraced the challenge with open arms. In the absence of established names like Virat Kohli and KL Rahul, the likes of Sarfaraz Khan, Dhruv Jurel, and Akash Deep have stepped up magnificently, showcasing the incredible depth and talent pool within the Indian cricketing system. Their fearless approach and unwavering commitment have injected a fresh wave of energy into the team, proving to be a crucial factor in India’s resurgence.

Spotlight on middle-order spot!

However, one player hasn’t made the most of his opportunities. Rajat Patidar, who made his debut in the 2nd Test in Visakhapatnam, hasn’t found his feet at the Test level despite racking up runs for fun in the domestic arena. His recent run of low scores has put his place in the squad under significant scrutiny, and he now finds himself on the cusp of being dropped. This highlights the unforgiving nature of international cricket, especially with India having such a vast talent pool.

Patidar is likely to be replaced by the uncapped southpaw Devdutt Padikkal in Dharamsala. While this is an exciting opportunity for Padikkal to showcase his skills at the highest level, it also represents a harsh reality for Patidar. At 30 years old, the difficulty of regaining his spot in the team is huge, especially considering the pool of talented youngsters vying for the same position.

It remains to be seen if Patidar is indeed dropped or if the management decides to give him one final chance considering that the series has already been pocketed.