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India To Retain Struggling Rajat Patidar For Dharamsala Test: Reports 

Rajat Patidar to be retained in the Indian Test XI [X.com]Rajat Patidar to be retained in the Indian Test XI [X.com]

Team India will be handing struggling newcomer Rajat Patidar one more opportunity to give a more befitting account of his talent and ability in his maiden Test series against England, stated a report in Indian Express. 

Patidar, who has faced criticism after disappointing with the bat in Tests in Vizag, Rajkot and Ranchi, could be given a final chance to live up to the selectors and the team management's vote of confidence on the Madhya Pradesh right-hander in the fifth Test in Dharamshala, starting Saturday (March 7).

It means Karnataka's prolific run-getter Devdutt Padikkal will have to wait for his maiden Test appearance after being roped into the squad on the back of a tremendous run at the first-class level in the Ranji Trophy and for India A.

Rajat Patidar To Play Dharamshala Test 

Patidar, who has appeared short of confidence and assurance at the crease against England, has made scores of just 32, 9, 5, 0, 17 and 0 in his first three Tests for India despite entering the series with high hopes and a reputation of being a bumper scoring player at the domestic stage.

His twin failures in the Ranchi Test with the Indian team currently undergoing a transition phase and trying multiple younger options were expected to seal the fate of the 30-year-old late bloomer. However, report suggests he will be given one more Test before a decision is made on him. 

"The team wants Patidar to get one more chance as they feel Patidar has talent and it’s a matter of time before he gets runs. As India has already won the series, the team wants to try him out one more time instead of giving a debut to Devdutt Padikkal," a source privy to the developments told Indian Express. 

Patidar had got his opportunity in the Test team after KL Rahul was ruled out with a persistent injury and amidst the sustained absence of legend Virat Kohli. India don't play Tests until September when the team hosts Bangladesh. Another set of failures could well close the door on the MP right-hander.