IND vs ENG 2024: Aakash Chopra backs Rajat Patidar to play Dharamsala Test

Aakash Chopra. (Photo Source: Twitter)

After grinding hard in domestic cricket, Rajat Patidar finally earned his maiden Test cap in the second of the five-match Test series against England in Visakhapatnam. However, the Indore-born cricketer failed to put up a show in three matches, as he aggregated 63 runs at an average of 10.50 so far. Following the poor show, Patidar’s place in the playing XI for the fifth and final Test in Dharamsala is under doubt. Many reports claim that Devdutt Padikkal will replace him but former cricketer Aakash Chopra backed Patidar to play the last match of the series.

Chopra feels that playing Padikkal isn’t ideal as the team management won’t be able to judge him based on just one game. He added that Patidar should be given an extra run in the team to check his potential but added that he won’t be surprised if the team management decides to play Padiakkal instead.

Also read: Devdutt Padikkal lilely to make his Test debut against England in Dharamsala

“Reports suggest Rajat Patidar will play and I can probably understand. The team is saying that they have played him three matches, so he can play one more and that this could be his final opportunity,” Chopra said in a video released on his YouTube channel.

“If they don’t play him and play Devdutt, and if he has a bad match, they won’t be able to judge him as well, and might also feel they didn’t give full chances to Rajat. I won’t be surprised if Rajat Patidar plays. However, if he is dropped, still I won’t be surprised,” the former India opener added.

There are no dead rubbers now: Aakash Chopra

Chopra mentioned that there are no dead rubbers now in Test cricket as every match matters now because of the World Test Championship. He opined that every match matters now as both teams would look to improve their position in the WTC points table.

Also Read – ‘Captain’ Rohit Sharma reaches Dharamsala on helicopter for final Test

“There are no dead rubbers now because the percentage points matter. Every match is 20% points in a five-match series. If you win four matches, it’s 80% points, and if you win three matches, it’s 60% points. A series win doesn’t guarantee you anything,” Chopra mentioned.