Indian youngsters like Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Dhruv Jurel, Sarfaraz Khan and Akash Deep have impressed one and all with their performances in the ongoing home Test series against England.
However, Madhya Pradesh batter Rajat Patidar, who made his debut in the second Test at Vizag, is yet to make a mark in the series.
The right-hander earned a place in the India squad after his consistent performances for India ‘A’ against the England Lions and also in the Ranji Trophy but he managed to register scores of 32, 9, 5, 0, 17 and 0 in the last three Tests against England.
Since India have taken an unassailable 3-1 lead in the five-Test series with a game to spare, South African legend AB de Villiers believes the hosts may want to give Patidar a longer rope.
"Rajat Patidar not having the series of a lifetime or one to remember. But the good thing about this Indian team and the culture is that you will survive in that side because of the great cricket they are playing and the results coming their way,” De Villiers said in a video posted on his YouTube channel.
The former Proteas skipper highlighted the importance of team culture and the Indian team's ability to nurture talent, suggesting that Rajat Patidar's positive attitude and likability could play a significant role in his retention and future opportunities.
“If his attitude is catchy and if he is a likable character in the dressing room, Rohit and the selection panel will have the ability to say, Hold on, we do believe this guy has a future and we see him as a part of the team moving forward. Even though he hasn't been scoring runs, let's give him a longer run," De Villiers stated.
"It's just incredible how these guys keep on performing, and it's not always the same guys, which tells me there's a really good culture in this team, keeping in mind the youngsters coming through as well. There has got to be a good culture in the team if you get youngsters and different players to stand up every time," he further remarked.
India will now meet England in the dead-rubber fifth and final Test, slated to be held in Dharamsala from March 7.
