Who will be Virat Kohli’s replacement in Test matches against England?

Virat Kohli’s replacement: In a massive blow to Indian cricket team, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced that India's batting talisman Virat Kohli has withdrawn from the first two Tests against England due to personal reasons.

As per the sources, right-handed batter Rajat Patidar has been called up to replace Virat Kohli in India's first two Test matches against England. 

Also Read: King Kohli withdraws from two Tests against England, know why

Who is Rajat Patidar? 

• Rajat Manohar Patidar is an Indian International cricketer. 
• He plays for Madhya Pradesh in domestic cricket and for the Royal Challengers Bangalore in the Indian Premier League.
• He is a right-handed top order batter and off-spinner.
• Patidar made his international debut on December 21 2023 against South Africa in the 3rd ODI match, where he opened for the 'Men in Blue' and scored 22 runs from 16 balls with a strike rate of 137.50.

• Recently, Patidar appeared for India A and scored 151 against the England Lions in Ahmedabad. The right-handed batter is currently in his top form which would help the hosts in the upcoming Test series against England.
• In the Indian Premier League (IPL), Patidar scored 404 runs after playing 12 matches at an average of 40.4 and with a strike rate of 144.29.

King Kohli withdraws from Tests series 

Sensational cricket star on Monday has formally requested the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to excuse him from participating in the initial two Tests of the forthcoming IDFC First Bank Test series against England, citing personal reasons. 

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In the official statement BCCI said, "The BCCI respects his decision and the Board and team management has extended its support to the star batter and is confident in the abilities of the remaining squad members to step up and deliver commendable performances in the Test series.

Notably, India is set to play a five-match Test series, the first of which will be held in Hyderabad on January 25. The second match of the series will be played on February 2 in Vizag. The fifth and final test will be held in Dharamshala and the series will conclude on March 11. 

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