‘Go back to play the Ranji…’ – Indian Cricket Board set to release struggling Rajat Patidar from Test squad for 5th game against England

According to sources, the Indian Cricket Board has mandated that India’s star batter, Rajat Patidar, go back to play in the semi-final of the Ranji Trophy 2024 to regain his form in Test cricket. Notably, the stylish right-handed batter failed to show his form in the last three Test matches against England and failed to make an impact in the ongoing Test series.

However, Indian Cricket Board sources have claimed that his inclusion in the team depends on KL Rahul’s availability in the fifth Test game. Notably, Devdutt Padikkal may get the chance to be in the Test squad; however, the side still needs one extra batter in the squad as a substitute.

“Ideally, the team management would want to see Patidar go back to play the Ranji semifinal and find some form. But that depends on Rahul’s availability. If Rahul is unavailable then he may be asked to stay back with the team. Even if Devdutt Padikkal makes his debut in the last Test, the team management needs an extra batter in the team as a concussion substitute,” a source was quoted as saying by The Times of India.

The medical team thought KL Rahul was good to go for the last three Tests: Sources

Meanwhile, Indian Cricket Board sources further added that KL Rahul is 90% fit ahead of the fourth Test match, but he has been sent back to London for further care to make his comeback in the national squad. The sources revealed that KL Rahul has endured enough fatigue in the ODI World Cup 2023 and the South African tour.

“The medical team thought Rahul was good to go for the last three Tests. But he complained of discomfort. He is a bit concerned about it. He has endured a heavy workload while keeping wickets in the World Cup and the Test series in South Africa. The reports were sent to the doctor who treated him in England. Eventually, the doctor asked him to travel to England so that he could personally check what’s wrong with Rahul,” a source added.