Saikiran Uppuluri
Saikiran Uppuluri
As India gears up for the second Test against England, all eyes are on the potential debutant, Rajat Patidar. The Madhya Pradesh cricketer, who shone brightly for Royal Challengers Bangalore in IPL 2022, might step onto the international stage due to the injuries of KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja.
What sets Patidar apart is not just his on-field prowess but also his keen observations of cricketing maestro Virat Kohli. Having shared the dressing room with Kohli at RCB, Patidar admitted, “I always observe his (Kohli) batting from the back of the nets, especially his footwork and body movement while batting. I try to learn and add these things into my batting.”
The camaraderie between Patidar and Kohli extends beyond the nets, providing a unique learning environment. Patidar expressed gratitude for the opportunity to share the dressing room with chief coach Rahul Dravid and skipper Rohit Sharma during the ongoing Test series against England.
“I have played with many Indian players in the domestic circuit. I have been interacting with Rahul sir since the last two series. I had not spoken a lot with Rohit bhai but I got to speak with him on this tour about batting. He shared his experiences in the nets; all this has increased my confidence,” Patidar revealed.
While Patidar’s aggressive batting style has made him a standout player, the potential debutant remains steadfast in his approach. “I study the pattern of opponent bowlers, their field placements. I observe how Rohit bhai makes his field placements. I try to add-on these learnings into my game,” he said.
As India looks to bounce back in the five-match Test series, Patidar’s journey from IPL success to a possible Test debut adds an exciting chapter to the cricketing narrative. The blend of experience, mentorship from cricketing legends, and a hunger for learning sets the stage for an intriguing cricketing spectacle, where a new star might emerge in Rajat Patidar.
