India vs England: India are taking on England in the second Test match of the five-match series at the Dr YS Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam. While England won the first Test match of the series by 28 runs to go 1-0 up in the series, India, already on the backfoot, were hurt by a couple of injury concerns in their team with Ravindra Jadeja and KL Rahul both ruled out due to injuries.
With the two key players missing out, India had no choice but to make changes to their Playing 11. That meant an opportunity for the first time in Test cricket for Rajat Patidar. The Madhya Pradesh cricketer received his maiden Test cap from the legendary India pacer Zaheer Khan who was present at the venue. The video of Patidar receiving his maiden Test cap was shared by the BCCI.
India vs England: Zaheer Khan handing Rajat Patidar his maiden Test Cap- VIDEO
Rajat Patidar Plays An Impressive Little Innings On Debut
Even though Patidar did not score a half-century in his maiden innings, he scored 32 off 72 deliveries before an unfortunate dismissal. While the right-handed batter seemingly came up with a solid defence off a Rehan Ahmed delivery, the top spin on the ball raced meant it raced towards his wicket which the batter could not protect. The 30-year-old's innings was studded with 3 boundaries.
Other than Patidar, left-arm spinner Kuldeep Yadav was the other player who found a place for himself in the Playing 11 of the Vizag Test. He will be required later in the match with the wicket expected to assist spinners, much like it did in the series opener in Hyderabad.