As Team India gears up for their upcoming two-match Test series against Bangladesh, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is set to announce the squad soon. With India returning to Test cricket after a long break, speculation is high about which players will make the cut. However, the spotlight is also on a couple of players from the previous series who might face the axe this time—Rajat Patidar and Mukesh Kumar.
Test Cricket Returns After a Six-Month Hiatus
India’s last Test series was played against England between January and March this year. Since then, the team has taken a break from the format, focusing on limited-overs cricket. The upcoming series against Bangladesh, which begins on September 19, will mark their return to the longest format of the game.
With the team announcement expected soon, the selection committee, led by the Senior Men’s Selection Committee of the BCCI, will face some tough decisions. Several players have impressed in the domestic circuit, while some who featured in the last series against England failed to deliver. As a result, the selection of Rajat Patidar and Mukesh Kumar seems uncertain.
Rajat Patidar’s Missed Opportunity
Madhya Pradesh’s Rajat Patidar made his Test debut in the absence of senior players like Virat Kohli during India’s last series. However, Patidar struggled to make an impact, managing only 63 runs in six innings. His performances were underwhelming, especially when compared to his fellow debutant Sarfaraz Khan, who impressed with three half-centuries in the same series.
Kohli’s return to the squad for the Bangladesh series will likely push Patidar out of the playing XI. His inability to capitalize on his chances has made it difficult for him to retain his spot, especially with talented players like Sarfaraz knocking on the door. According to a report by Cricbuzz, Patidar’s exclusion seems almost certain, given the fierce competition in India’s batting lineup.
Mukesh Kumar’s Inconsistent Performances
Bengal pacer Mukesh Kumar is another player whose place in the team is under threat. Mukesh made his Test debut during India’s tour of the West Indies last year and has played three Test matches so far. While he showed promise on occasion, his overall performance has not been up to the mark. In those three games, Mukesh managed only seven wickets, with his last outing against England in Visakhapatnam raising concerns. He conceded 72 runs and took just one wicket across two innings, leaving many questioning his consistency.
With Jasprit Bumrah’s fitness still in doubt, the selection committee must decide who will fill the crucial third pacer’s spot alongside Mohammad Siraj. Mukesh Kumar’s inconsistent performances might open the door for someone like Akash Deep, who impressed with a nine-wicket haul in the recently concluded Duleep Trophy.
The Duleep Trophy Impact
The Duleep Trophy has played a significant role in shaping the selection for the upcoming Bangladesh series. Performances in this prestigious domestic tournament are closely monitored by the selectors. Akash Deep’s standout performance in the Duleep Trophy could give him the edge over Mukesh Kumar. His ability to take wickets consistently in domestic cricket has put him in contention for a place in the squad, especially with India’s pace battery facing some uncertainty.
The Challenge of Balancing Youth and Experience
With experienced players like Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, and Shreyas Iyer returning to the team, the selection committee faces the challenge of balancing youth with experience. Players like Patidar, who got an opportunity due to the absence of senior players, may find themselves sidelined as the more established names reclaim their spots. However, the selectors will also want to nurture young talent, keeping in mind the future of Indian cricket.
Final Call: Who Stays, Who Goes?
The upcoming series against Bangladesh offers an opportunity for India to fine-tune their squad as they prepare for bigger challenges ahead. While seasoned players are expected to make a comeback, young talents like Sarfaraz Khan and Akash Deep are vying for a chance to prove themselves. Unfortunately for Rajat Patidar and Mukesh Kumar, their recent performances might not be enough to secure them a spot in the final squad.
As the team announcement looms, all eyes will be on the selection committee’s decision, as they aim to field a balanced and competitive squad for the Bangladesh series.
