In three Test matches against England, Indian batsman Rajat Patidar has only managed to score 63 runs at a poor average of 10.5; he no longer looks like the prolific run-scorer he was with India A and in domestic cricket.
With one game remaining in the five-match series, India has already won 3-1, and De Villiers thinks the hosts might wish to give Patidar a longer string.
In spite of Rajat Patidar’s lackluster performance in the current tests against England, former South African captain AB de Villiers believes India can still have faith in the player.
“If his attitude is catchy and if he is a likable character”- AB de Villiers on why India can back Rajat Patidar
Rajat Patidar’s presence and growth within the Indian team might be supported by the team’s strength and culture, according to AB de Villiers, even though the Indian batter hasn’t had a particularly memorable series thus far.
Regarding Patidar’s future, AB de Villiers stated in a video on his YouTube channel (7:12):
“Rajat Patidar not having the series of a lifetime or the 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 highlighted the significance of team culture and the Indian team’s capacity to develop potential, implying that Patidar’s likeability and positive attitude may be crucial factors in determining his longevity and future prospects.
“If his attitude is catchy and if he is a likable 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,” de Villiers added.
KL Rahul has been ruled out of the fifth Test in Dharamshala, the BCCI has informed. This implies that the hosts can choose to support Rajat Patidar or consider Devdutt Padikkal, another debutant.
“Different players to stand up every time”- AB de Villiers on Team India’s performance in the series
AB de Villiers further explained how various Indian players had raised their hands in crucial moments during the series, particularly in the Ranchi Test.
While Kuldeep Yadav and the experienced Ravichandran Ashwin displayed brilliance, youngsters Dhruv Jurel and debutant Akash Deep both came through when it counted.
“It’s just incredible how these guys keep on performing, and it’s not always the same guys, which tells me there’s a really good culture in this team, keeping in mind the youngsters coming through as well. There has got to be a good culture in the team if you get youngsters and different players to stand up every time,” De Villiers said (5:02).
Although the hosts have already won the series, there are still 12 World Test Championship (WTC) points up to gain in Dharamshala between India and England. On March 7, the thrilling series’ last Test will get underway.