Rajat Patidar to replace Virat Kohli in first two Tests vs ENG – REPORT

Hyderabad: A few days before the much-awaited first Test in Hyderabad between India and England, the hosts have added Rajat Patidar to the squad for the first two Tests. Patidar, who has been given a first Test call-up, replaces Virat Kohli, who opted out of the first two Tests due to 'personal reasons'.

“Virat Kohli has requested the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to withdraw from the first two Tests of the upcoming IDFC First Bank Test series against England, citing personal reasons,” BCCI Secretary Jay Shah had said in a statement said.

Meanwhile, Patidar has been in ominous form of late, beating 151 against England Lions in Ahmedabad last week. The 30-year-old cricketer also scored 111 in the warm-up match against the Lions and was on tour to South Africa with the A side late last year.

Patidar's selection in the Test fold seems to be the end of the road for veterans like Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane. It would also be disappointing for Sarfaraz Khan, who is once again overlooked despite a dream season.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Tuesday added batsman Rinku Singh to the India 'A' squad for the second four-day match against England Lions, starting on January 24 in Ahmedabad.

As part of their three unofficial Test tours, the England Lions are currently touring India.

“The Men's Selection Committee has added Rinku Singh to the India 'A' squad for the second four-day match against England Lions to be played in Ahmedabad from January 24,” BCCI said in an official statement.

The Indian 'A' team will be led by domestic cricket star Abhimanyu Easwaran during the multi-day matches. Rinku was previously added in the third match starting on February 1.