Virat Kohli Replacement: The 5-match Test series between India and England is starting from 25 January. Just before this, Virat Kohli has withdrawn his name for the first two matches. He has done this due to personal reasons. Now the question is which player the selectors would like to replace Virat. In such a situation, is the return of either veteran player Cheteshwar Pujara or Ajinkya Rahane possible? So the answer to this question is 'no'.
Actually, the Indian team has announced a 16-member team for the first two test matches against England. After Virat's withdrawal, there are still 15 players in the squad. Even if Virat's replacement is announced here, the playing-11 will have to be selected from the present 15-member squad only. Considering this, it is possible that BCCI may announce the replacement of Virat. In the absence of Virat, Shubman Gill can come at number-3 and Shreyas Iyer's place in the middle order can be considered confirmed.
Even if Virat's replacement is announced, it is difficult for Rahane or Pujara to return. In place of these two, BCCI would like to give a chance to a young player currently included in the India A squad. Here Rajat Patidar's claim seems to be the strongest.
Why is Rahane's return difficult?
Ajinkya Rahane has been a complete flop in this season of Ranji Trophy. He has scored only 16 runs in three innings of the last two Ranji matches. Twice he could not even open the account. In such a situation, his return is impossible at the moment. Rahane was last seen in the Test series against West Indies in July last year.
Pujara in good form but..
Cheteshwar Pujara was last seen in the final of the World Test Championship held in June last year. After this, he was out of the West Indies tour and did not even get a chance in the two-match Test series against South Africa. However, Pujara's bat is performing well in Ranji Trophy. He has scored 444 runs in 5 innings of three Ranji matches. Here he has also scored a double century. However, his double century came against some weak team of Jharkhand.
Pujara seems to be in good form here but BCCI may give him some more game time before the last three Test matches against England. This means that the effort can be that Pujara plays more Ranji matches and regulates the rhythm. If Pujara plays some more good innings in Ranji during this period, then his place can be made for the last three matches. But if he is included as a replacement for Virat from now on and he does not get a chance in the playing-11, then nothing will be left in his hands.
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