Rajat Patidar has been selected for India’s team in the first couple games of the current five-game series with England. The batsman recently shared how he gains inspiration from star player Virat Kohli.
While in the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) team in the Indian Premier League (IPL), Patidar who has stood side-by-side with Kohli, mentioned that he takes notes from the veteran player’s batting during training in the nets.
In a video uploaded by the BCCI on its official social media accounts on Thursday, February 1, Patidar said the following regarding learning from Kohli’s batting:
“I always observe his (Kohli’s) batting from the back of the nets, especially his footwork and body movement while batting is amazing. I enjoy watching him bat. I want to add those skills. It’s not easy, but am relentless about it.”
Rajat Patidar
Rajat Patidar stated that he also closely watches how Team India captain Rohit Sharma plays with the field created by the opponent, saying:
“I have an aggressive batting style and have batted like this since domestic cricket. It’s all about how you prepare. It has become a habit now. I study the pattern of opponent bowlers, how they place their field, and I observe how Rohit bhai tackles the field positions. I try to add these learnings into my game.”
Rajat Patidar
Rajat Patidar found himself in India’s team for the first two Tests against England. This happened because Virat Kohli decided to skip these games, giving personal reasons. But, in the series starter in Hyderabad, the Madhya Pradesh boy didn’t take the field.
Patidar might make his debut in the second Test, if experienced stars Ravindra Jadeja and KL Rahul are ruled out due to injury.
Rajat Patidar gains confidence from Rohit Sharma and Rahul Dravid’s guidance
Rajat Patidar discussed how he recently communicated with Team India’s head coach Rahul Dravid. He also added that speaking with Rohit Sharma throughout the present series enhanced his confidence.
The skilled hitter stated:
“I have played with many Indian team players in the domestic circuit. Have been interacting with Rahul sir for the last two series. I had not spoken a lot with Rohit bhai. But I got to speak with him on this tour about batting. He shared his experience in the nets. All this has increased my confidence.”
Rajat Patidar
Rajat Patidar was out for a period with an Achilles heel injury, which also kept him out of the IPL 2023. He revealed his thought process throughout the lengthy gap, saying:
“It is always hard when a player gets injured. I told myself I cannot change the time it will take to recover. I accepted this fact and worked in the present with a lot of focus. Getting my first Test call-up soon after my recovery has to be my happiest moment. It was my dream to represent my country in Test cricket.”
Rajat Patidar
Rajat Patidar seemed in excellent form when playing for India ‘A’ against the England Lions, scoring 151 runs in the series’ first unofficial Test.