Kohli’s Absence in England Tests: Potential Replacements: Who will replace Virat Kohli in Tests vs England?
As the cricketing landscape in India braces itself for the absence of the charismatic Virat Kohli in the first two home Tests against England, the spotlight shifts to the potential replacements who could step up to the challenge. In this thorough exploration, we delve into the profiles of four standout domestic performers, each bringing a unique set of skills and experiences to the table.
From the resilient Rajat Patidar to the ever-reliable Cheteshwar Pujara, the middle-order dynamo Sarfaraz Khan, and the rapidly ascending B Sai Sudharsan, these players present themselves as compelling options to fill the void left by Kohli. As cricket enthusiasts eagerly await the selection decisions, the narrative unfolds around who might don the Indian jersey and shape the team’s batting lineup in the upcoming England Tests.
Rajat Patidar: A Rising Star
Virat Kohli’s absence from the first two home Tests against England has created an opportunity for domestic stalwarts to step into the limelight. One such contender is the Ranji Trophy winner from Madhya Pradesh, Rajat Patidar. Batting predominantly at No. 4, Patidar showcased his mettle with an impressive 151 in the first unofficial Test for India A against England Lions in Ahmedabad. His resilience was evident in a two-day warm-up fixture where he notched up 111 against the same opponents.
Patidar, at 30, boasts a stellar record with 4000 runs in first-class cricket at an average of 45.97, including 12 centuries. His standout performance came during MP’s triumphant run in 2021-22, where he emerged as the second-highest run-getter with 658 runs at an average of 82.25, featuring a match-winning hundred in the final against Mumbai. Battling a heel injury that required surgery, Patidar made a strong comeback, earning his ODI debut on the South Africa tour in December.
Cheteshwar Pujara: The Ever-Reliable
Cheteshwar Pujara, a seasoned campaigner, continues to grind through the domestic season. Recently achieving the milestone of 20,000 first-class runs, Pujara has been a consistent force. Opening the season with an unbeaten 243 against Jharkhand, he followed it up with scores of 49, 43, 43, and 66. With 103 Tests under his belt, including the WTC final against Australia last June, Pujara’s experience and current form position him as a strong candidate for Kohli’s replacement.
Sarfaraz Khan: The Middle Order Dynamo
Mumbai’s Sarfaraz Khan, predominantly batting at No. 5, stands out as a potential replacement in India’s middle order. Despite a patchy form for India A, his overall first-class average of 68.20 across 65 innings, with 13 centuries and 11 fifties, makes a compelling case. Since 2020, Sarfaraz boasts the highest average (82.46) among batters worldwide with 2000 or more first-class runs. While concerns linger about his ability against short-pitched bowling, his proficiency against spin could prove invaluable on turning tracks.
Sarfaraz’s recent performances include a solid 96 against England Lions in a two-day warm-up fixture and a crucial half-century in the first unofficial Test, contributing to India A’s successful chase of 490 runs.
B Sai Sudharsan: The Rapid Ascender
Emerging swiftly into the spotlight, Tamil Nadu’s B Sai Sudharsan has witnessed a meteoric rise in recent times. The stylish left-hander, praised for his elegant technique, made a mark with back-to-back half-centuries in his ODI debut in South Africa. In the red-ball arena, Sudharsan contributed significantly during the 2022-23 Ranji season, amassing 572 runs in 12 innings at an average of 47.66.
Having been part of India A’s red-ball setup for the past six months, Sudharsan’s most recent outing saw him score 97 against England Lions. His rapid rise and consistent performances make him a compelling choice as a top-order batter.
Final Word:
As the Indian team contemplates Kohli’s absence, these four domestic stalwarts emerge as strong contenders to fill the void. Rajat Patidar’s resilience, Cheteshwar Pujara’s experience, Sarfaraz Khan’s middle-order prowess, and B Sai Sudharsan’s rapid ascension provide the team management with intriguing options. The upcoming selection decisions will shape India’s batting lineup, and fans eagerly await the unveiling of the chosen one to stand in for the charismatic Virat Kohli in the upcoming England Tests.
