India has named top-order batter Rajat Patidar to replace veteran Virat Kohli for their first two Tests against England. On Thursday, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced Patidar’s entry to the team.
“Rajat Patidar has joined the team as Virat Kohli’s replacement for the first two Tests against England,” the BCCI said.
Patidar is Kohli’s teammate at Madhya Pradesh. He made his Twenty20 debut in the 2017-18 Zonal T20 League in January 2018.
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The 30-year-old emerged as the leading run-scorer with 713 runs in eight 2018-19 Ranji Trophy matches.
In his One Day International debut against South Africa recently, Patidar scored 22 opening innings. The Indore native was reportedly the unanimous choice by the Indian team management and selectors to replace Kohli.
Kohli told India skipper Rohit Sharma to skip India’s first two Tests against England. The veteran maestro decided to step away from the game indefinitely.
Patidar, who returned after eight months due to injury, tallied 151 for the India “A” Test squad against the Lions last week.
Meanwhile, the BCCI also confirmed that Avwesh Khan has been released from the India “A” Test squad. The fast bowler was let go to represent Madhya Pradesh in their next Ranji Trophy fixture.
