IND vs ENG: BCCI likely to release Rajat Patidar from Indian squad but KL Rahul’s availability still a concern- Reports

IND vs ENG: BCCI likely to release Rajat Patidar from Indian squad but KL Rahul's availability still a concern- Reports

The BCCI selection panel and the management, headed by captain Rohit Sharma and coach Rahul Dravid, face a dilemma regarding certain players ahead of the fifth and concluding Test against England. Scheduled to commence on March 7 in Dharamsala, the final segment of the series looms. Although there remains ample time before the Test, concerns have arisen within the Indian camp regarding KL Rahul’s fitness. Multiple media outlets report that Rahul has traveled to London for consultation with a specialist, as he continues to experience discomfort in his right quadriceps. This injury has sidelined him from the last three Tests against England.

The selection panel will soon be taking a decision on Rajat Patidar’s position in the Indian squad

A decision from the selectors is anticipated by March 2, coinciding with the players’ planned gathering in Chandigarh before their chartered flight to Dharamsala the following day. Should Rahul, who was reported as “90% fit” in a prior BCCI release ahead of the third Test, remain unable to regain full fitness by this time, the selectors may be compelled to retain Rajat Patidar in the squad, a situation they are eager to circumvent.

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As per a report from the Times of India, the selectors are considering releasing Patidar from the India Test squad, allowing him to participate in the Ranji Trophy semi-final for Madhya Pradesh against Vidarbha on March 2. Patidar has failed to capitalize on opportunities in the series thus far, with his highest score being 32 in six innings and two ducks already to his name. The selectors are concerned about the manner in which he has surrendered his wicket on several occasions, despite being given the favorable No.4 batting position.

If Rahul regains his fitness on time then the team management doesn’t see any point in holding Patidar in the squad. “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 mentioned by The Times of India.

KL Rahul’s medical update

“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. Multiple scans have been done on his quads. While there is nothing very concerning, some inflammation has been noted. 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.