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Rajat Patidar, the middle-order batsman for India, is set to make his Test debut in Vizag during the second Test against England, according to reports from SportsTak. Following India’s 28-run loss in the first Test, they currently find themselves lower in the WTC points table. The upcoming Test, scheduled for February 2, presents an opportunity for strategic and necessary changes in the Indian team.

With KL Rahul sidelined due to an injury, Rajat Patidar is likely to replace him in the playing XI. Additionally, there’s a possibility of Sarfaraz Khan earning his debut cap as he takes the spot of the injured Rahul in the squad. This potential inclusion could see Rajat Patidar and Sarfaraz Khan stepping in for KL Rahul and Shubman Gill, the latter of whom has been struggling for form with scores of 36, 10, 23, and 0 in his recent Test innings against England.

Rajat Patidar had initially been named as Virat Kohli’s replacement for the first two Tests due to Kohli’s personal reasons. He was also part of the Indian ODI squad against South Africa, making his debut in the third ODI and scoring 22 runs.

Team India has adjusted its lineup for the second Test following injuries to Ravindra Jadeja and KL Rahul. Jadeja suffered a hamstring injury, while Rahul is grappling with right quadriceps pain, leading to their exclusion from the upcoming game. In response, the Indian squad has introduced replacements in the form of Sarfaraz Khan, Washington Sundar, and Saurabh Kumar.

A statement from the BCCI confirmed the unavailability of Ravindra Jadeja and KL Rahul for the second IDFC First Bank Test against England in Vizag, commencing on February 02, 2024. Jadeja sustained a hamstring injury during the fourth day of play in the first Test in Hyderabad, while Rahul reported discomfort due to right quadriceps pain. The BCCI Medical Team is closely monitoring their recovery. To fill the void, the Men’s Selection Committee has enlisted Sarfaraz Khan, Sourabh Kumar, and Washington Sundar into India’s squad, as per the official statement.

The Madhya Pradesh batsman Rajat Patidar has been a consistent presence in various India A series, both at home and abroad. His prominence in Indian cricket soared when he secured a contract with the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the IPL. Notably, Patidar played a pivotal role in IPL 2022, registering an unbeaten century in the Eliminator against LSG.

In the recent Test match in Hyderabad, India faced a setback, losing by 28 runs as they fell short in the fourth innings chase of 231. On debut, Tom Hartley shone for England, claiming 7/62 in the second innings after conceding 131 runs in the first. The England spinners outperformed their Indian counterparts, securing 18 wickets compared to India’s 14.

The first innings saw England being bowled out for 246, while India posted a total of 436, establishing a substantial 190-run lead. Ollie Pope’s impressive 196 guided England to a second-innings score of 420. Consequently, India had a target of 231 in the fourth innings. The defeat has pushed India to the fifth position on the WTC points table, while England, despite being eighth, gained crucial points from the encounter.