'It will be a tough choice' - Indian batting coach Vikram Rathour's take on Sarfaraz Khan vs Rajat Patidar ahead of 2nd Test

India vs England 2024: Vikram Rathour has his take on the debate of picking one batter between Rajat Patidar and Sarfaraz Khan for the 2nd Test. The Indian Head coach felt that it would be a tough decision to make.

author-image
Sarah Andrew
New Update
Vikram Rathour

Vikram Rathour (Source: X)

Vikram Rathour has given his opinion on picking one batter between Sarfaraz Khan and Rajat Patidar for the 2nd Test between India and England. Given the absence of some of the key players, it has been difficult for India to cope with their team. Vikram felt that picking one among Sarfaraz and Patidar would be a difficult choice. "It will be a tough choice," said Vikram.

Both players came in as replacements for Virat Kohli and KL Rahul respectively in the Indian squad. While Virat opted himself out of the first two Tests, Rahul sustained a quadriceps injury during the 1st Test. It led the Indian team to pick one batter in the middle order, provided Gill would not be dropped for his poor form in Test cricket.

The Indian batting coach felt that the two talented players bring a lot of value to the team. Vikram acknowledged the fact that the duo has been scoring a lot of runs in domestic cricket. "What value they bring to the team, of course, is that they are superb players. We have seen how well they have done in domestic cricket in the last few years," added Rathour in the press conference.

'That decision will be made by Rahul Dravid and Rohit Sharma' - Vikram Rathour

The former India batter felt that the duo could bat well in tough conditions. He felt that picking only one among the two would be difficult. "So on these kind of wickets, I think they can really add a lot of value to the team. If we have to pick just one out of them, of course, it would be tough," said Rathour as he expressed his dilemma.

Vikram claimed that the decision on the duo would be taken by Rahul Dravid and Rohit Sharma. Rathour claimed that predicting the nature of the wicket would not be easy. "But, that decision will be made by Rahul Dravid and Rohit Sharma. It (pitch) is difficult to predict. It will turn, maybe not from the first day, but eventually, it will turn. That's what the wicket looks like," Vikram felt.

India England Rajat Patidar Sarfaraz Khan Vikram Rathour