India vs England: Why Rajat Patidar Missed Out On 5th Test, Rohit Sharma Explains

The Indian cricket team announced one change in the team for the 5th Test against England in Dharamsala, with Devdutt Padikkal becoming the 314th player to represent the team in the longest format of the game. Padikkal replaced Rajat Patidar in the team, with skipper Rohit Sharma revealing at the time of the toss that the Royal Challengers Bangalore man injured himself in a training session before the final match of the series.

Though Patidar’s performance in the series so far wasn’t the best, captain Rohit had backed the batter in the press conference on the eve of the Dharamsala Test. However, Rohit himself revealed that Padikkal will be replacing Patidar in the playing XI.

“We would have batted first as well. We have done really well so far in this series and an opportunity to finish on a high. There should be good bounce on this pitch than the games before in this series. Good pitch to bat on and I don’t think it will deteriorate that much. Ash has been a real stalwart of Indian cricket. Such a proud moment for him, his nation and the family. We will be rooting for him to do the magic,” Rohit said on Thursday morning.

The Patidar, Padikkal swap wasn’t the only change in the team, with Jasprit Bumrah returning to the team, in place of Akash Deep.

“Bumrah is back, Akash Deep misses out. Devdutt Padikkal makes his debut as Patidar got injured last evening,” Rohit concluded.

Giving an update on Patidar’s status, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) said: “Rajat Patidar got hit on his left ankle during Team India’s practice session on 6th March, 2024. He pulled up sore on the morning of the game and was not available for selection for the 5th Test.”