Rohit Sharma explains why Cheteshwar Pujara or Ajinkya Rahane did not replace Virat Kohli in India Test squad

India have added Rajat Patidar to the Test squad for the first two matches against England in absence of Virat Kohli instead of opting to add experienced players like Cheteshwar Pujara or Ajinkya Rahane. Patidar, the 30-year-old batter from Madhya Pradesh, is still to make his Test debut and has only played one ODI for India so far.

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Indian captain Rohit Sharma has explained that the decision was taken to give a youngster a chance in Test cricket rather than bringing in a veteran who is out of favour currently.

“Look, actually, we did think about it (going back to a senior player). But all these younger players, when are they going to get their opportunity? That’s something we thought, I thought as well,” Rohit said on the eve of the India vs England first Test at Hyderabad which starts on 25 January.

Both Rahane and Pujara have been out of favour due to poor form but there were reports that one of them could come back to replace Kohli for first two Tests. Rahane last played for India against the West Indies at Port of Spain last year, while Pujara has not been picked since World Test Championship final 2023 defeat.

Patidar, meanwhile, is in top form, scoring 111 and 151 for India A in matches against England Lions.

Rohit also added that it was tough not to pick a proven player but the thought process is to give a chance to a youngster in home conditions.

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“Leaving out an experienced player or not considering them is very hard. The amount of runs they’ve scored, the kind of experience they’ve had, the amount of games they have won for us, you know, it’s very hard to ignore all of that,” the skipper said. “But, you know, you sometimes have to bring certain players into your set-up as well. You have to give them favourable conditions as you don’t want to expose them on foreign doors, where they’ve not played before. So, I think it’s important that we try and get some of these youngsters an opportunity.”

The captain also made it clear that the doors are not closed for any of the players.

“By no means, the doors are closed for anyone, you know, as long as they stay fit and keep scoring runs. Anyone will be welcomed back into the setup,” said the captain.