Rajat Patidar finally made his India Test debut in the ongoing second match of the five-Test series against England. His time in the spotlight came in Vizag on February 2, 2024. Patidar already made his ODI debut in South Africa recently.
Patidar, who made his First-Class debut with Madhya Pradesh way back in 2015, knew that he was going to be part of the playing eleven a day before the game. Having recently scored back-to-back hundreds against England Lions for India A, Patidar went into the big game high on confidence.
He made 32 runs in 72 balls and looked comfortable and confident at the crease. He failed to convert the start as he played on while going for a forward-defensive shot against leg-spinner Rehan Ahmed.
“It was a dream come true moment for me. Representing the country is a dream for every player. Going into the middle, there was no pressure as I have played a lot of games in domestic cricket. I slept well last night. It was normal for me. I have also played two series at the A level (NZ and England). It gives a lot of confidence when you play at that level. I gained in confidence playing against the Lions (recently). The two hundreds against Lions were very crucial for me,” Patidar said at the close of play.
On the long wait for his Test debut, he said: “Waiting for so long is common in Indian cricket (laughs). There are a lot of players. I was just focusing on things that were in my hands. So at the age of 30, I came here, feeling pretty good.”
Patidar was also all praises for Yashasvi Jaiswal, who hit his second Test century and was unbeaten on 179 at the close of play with India on 366/6.
“We (Yashasvi and I) were talking about taking the game as long as possible. My innings, it was good but I have to make it big. Talking about Yashasvi, he is a very good player. The way he takes on the bowlers, he has special ability in him,” Patidar added while saying that the wicket was very good to bat.
(PTI inputs)
