India vs England: Rajat Patidar included in squad for first two Tests; Avesh Khan released for Ranji Trophy

Hyderabad: Rajat Patidar, the prolific batter from Madhya Pradesh, was on Thursday officially included in the India squad for the first two Tests against England. Patidar was reported to have replaced Virat Kohli in the Indsia squad, and it was confirmed by the BCCI on Thursday. Kohli will miss the first two Tests due to personal reasons.  “Rajat Patidar has joined the team as Virat Kohli’s replacement for the first two Tests against England,” the BCCI said.

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Patidar, who is fresh from scoring 111 and 151 in India A’s fixture against England Lions, however will have to wait for his Test debut.

The Rohit Sharma-led side opted for a three-pronged spin attack, including left-arm spinner Axar Patel in the opening Test in Hyderabad on Thursday. Patidar recently made his international debut in an ODI against South Africa in Paarl, where he scored 22 opening the innings. The BCCI announcement also mentioned that fast bowler Avesh Khan has been released to represent his Ranji trophy team, Madhya Pradesh, in their next Ranji Trophy fixture.

With PTI inputs