The India Cricket Team has been dealt with a huge blow. Star batter Virat Kohli has pulled out of the IND vs ENG Test series citing personal reasons. Kohli’s absence has opened doors for 3 batters who will fancy their chance in Team India for the first 2 Test matches.
Virat Kohli will be absent for the first 2 Test matches of the series. The BCCI Selection Committee will name a replacement in the meantime. Among the probable candidates, Sarfaraz Khan, Rajat Patidar and Cheteshwar Pujara are amongst the mixes to get the free spot.
The trio has been performing well in the domestic circuit for a long time and it is only probable that either one from the trio will be selected.
Cheteshwar Pujara
One of the greatest servants for India in red ball cricket has been out of the team for quite sometime after a string of lacklustre performances. But Pujara has been in top form in domestic cricket off late. Pujara is currently the second highest run getter in the Ranji Trophy season.
With 444 runs in 5 innings, Pujara is now averaging 111. He went on to hammer 243 against Jharkhand to hog the limelight and warrant a case to the BCCI Selection Committee. But Pujara was overlooked and then went on to slam 43 and 66 against Kerala to win the game for his side. With his red hot form, Pujara’s selection will be a big headache for the board.
Rajat Patidar
The 30-year old RCB batter has been in exceptional touch both in domestic cricket and for India A. Recently in the went on to hammer back to back tons in India A’s unofficial Test against England Lions. His knock was crucial for the hosts to draw the game.
Patidar has been awaiting his chance to play for the India Cricket Team for quite sometime. And Patidar’s selection can just be the most realistic substitute in place of the absent Kohli.
Sarfaraz Khan
The domestic run machine is also in consideration to get his chance in the Indian team. Sarfaraz Khan has been knocking the doors of the selectors with his impressive knocks against England Lions.
Be it poor fitness or poor attitude, Sarfaraz has been ignore for a long time. But now it just might be the case for the 26-year old in Virat Kohli’s absence.