IND vs ENG: AB de Villiers backs Rajat Patidar to play Dharamshala Test

Rajat Patidar. (Photo Source: BCCI)

After doing well in domestic cricket and for India A, Rajat Patidar was handed his debut Test cap in the second match of the ongoing series against England in Visakhapatnam. However, his excitement soon turned into a nightmare as the 30-year-old failed to establish himself in Test cricket. In three matches so far, the Indore-born cricketer has made just 63 runs at an average of 10.5, and following this, there are reports of him getting dropped from the final Test against England in Dharamshala.

However, former cricketer AB de Villiers backed Patidar to get better. He added that the Indian team has a brilliant team culture which will boost Patidar’s morale despite a poor start to his Test career. He mentioned that skipper Rohit Sharma and the team management should back him in testing times to bring out the best in him as they believed in his abilities at one stage.

Also Read – KL Rahul ruled out of Dharamsala Test, Jasprit Bumrah returns

“Rajat Patidar not having the series of a lifetime or one to remember. But the good thing about this Indian team and the culture is that you will survive in that side because of the great cricket they are playing and the results coming their way,” De Villiers said on his YouTube channel.

“If his attitude is catchy and if he is a likeable character in the dressing room, Rohit and the selection panel will have the ability to say, Hold on, we do believe this guy has a future and we see him as a part of the team moving forward. Even though he hasn’t been scoring runs, let’s give him a longer run,” the 40-year-old added.

Notably, star batter KL Rahul has been ruled out of the fifth Test as BCCI has sent him to the United Kingdom for better examination of his injury. In case the team management decides to drop Patidar from the playing XI, Devdutt Padikkal can make his debut in Dharamshala. The Rohit Sharma-led side is currently leading 3-1 in the series and another win can help them get into a better position in the WTC table.