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A head of the fifth Test between India and England, Indian batter Rajat Patidar missed out of the playing XI which saw Karnataka batter Devdutt Paddikal make his Test debut. Patidar was drafted into the squad for this series after consistent performances in domestic cricket. But the 30-year-old has failed to replicate this form on the international stage.
During the break between the fourth and fifth Tests, several reports about Patidar being dropped were making the rounds. Hence when the Indian captain confirmed Patidar's absence, it wasn't a massive shock. Sharma then revealed that the Royal Challengers Bangalore star got injured on the eve of the final Test and was replaced by Devdutt Paddikal.
Patidar got hit on his left ankle during Team India's practice: BCCI
Soon, the Board for Control of Cricket in India released a statement confirming Patidar was hit on his left ankle on March 6 which deemed him unavailable for the final Test. The BCCI statement said, "Rajat Patidar got hit on his left ankle during Team India's practice session on 6th March 2024. He pulled up sore on the morning of the game and was not available for selection for the 5th Test."
Coming back to the toss, English skipper Ben Stokes called it right and decided to bat first on a cold Dharamsala morning. Notably, t he Indian captain also confirmed another change to the playing XI as fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah
"We would have batted first as well. We have done really well so far this series and an opportunity to finish on a high. There should be good bounce on this pitch than the games before in this series. Good pitch to bat on and I don't think it will deteriorate that much. Ash has been a real stalwart of Indian cricket."
"Such a proud moment for him, his nation and the family. We will be rooting for him to do the magic. Bumrah is back, Akash Deep misses out. Devdutt Padikkal makes his debut as Patidar got injured last evening."
