Rajat Patidar’s journey to earning his maiden Test cap against England in Visakhapatnam was a testament to his hard work in domestic cricket. However, his performance in the three matches he’s featured in so far has left much to be desired, with only 63 runs to show for at an average of 10.50.
As the fifth and final Test looms in Dharamshala, speculation surrounds Patidar’s place in the starting lineup. While many reports suggest Devdutt Padikkal may take his spot, former cricketer Aakash Chopra has voiced his support for Patidar to retain his position for the series’ conclusion.
Aakash Chopra argues that fielding Padikkal might not be the best move, as evaluating him based on a solitary match could prove challenging for the team management. He advocates giving Patidar another chance to showcase his abilities while acknowledging the possibility of Padikkal’s inclusion.
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“Reports suggest Rajat Patidar will play, which I understand. The team has given him three matches, so giving him another opportunity seems reasonable,” Aakash Chopra shared in a video on his YouTube channel.
“If they opt for Padikkal and he doesn’t perform well, it might be difficult to assess his capabilities adequately, and there could be regrets about not giving Patidar a fair chance. So, I won’t be surprised if Rajat Patidar retains his place. However, even if he’s dropped, it wouldn’t come as a shock,” the former India opener added.
Aakash Chopra emphasizes the importance of every Test match in the context of the World Test Championship, noting that there are no longer any “dead rubbers.” With WTC points at stake, both teams will be eager to improve their standings, making every match consequential.
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“In a five-match series, every game accounts for 20% of the points. Winning four matches means 80% points, and three wins equate to 60%. A series victory doesn’t guarantee anything,” Aakash Chopra highlighted, underscoring the significance of each contest.
