In an unprecedented feat, India has etched its name in cricket history by becoming the first team to defeat Australia at the WACA Ground in Perth. This monumental victory, where India clinched the match by a resounding 295 runs, was highlighted by Virat Kohli’s majestic 81st Test century, showcasing why he’s been the backbone of the Indian batting lineup for over a decade. However, as the cricketing world looks forward, the inevitability of retirement looms large of Virat Kohli, particularly after his less stellar performances in the ongoing day/night Test in Adelaide, where he managed scores of only 7 and 11 against the moving pink ball. With India currently at 128-5, trailing by 29 runs, and Rishabh Pant and Nitish Kumar Reddy at the crease, the spotlight now turns to who might step up in Kohli’s absence.
Rajat Patidar:
Rajat Patidar, at 31, might be considered a late bloomer in cricket, but his recent performances suggest he could very well be the man to watch out for. With an impressive first-class record of 4636 runs in 66 matches at an average of 43.32, Patidar has proven his mettle in domestic cricket. His highest score of 196, coupled with 13 centuries, indicates he has the temperament for big scores, a trait Virat Kohli has mastered. Patidar’s ability to adapt to different conditions was evident when he scored a crucial century against England Lions, showing his potential to handle international pressure.
What makes Patidar a viable candidate to replace Virat Kohli is not just his scoring capability but his approach to the game. He’s known for his “feel” for batting, focusing on technique and balance rather than just performance stats, a method that resonates with Virat Kohli’s own philosophy. His inclusion in the Test squad as a late replacement for Virat Kohli in the England series underlines the selectors’ confidence in his skills. Although he’s had a challenging start in international cricket with modest scores against England, his domestic record speaks volumes of his potential to thrive when given a longer rope.
Ruturaj Gaikwad:
Ruturaj Gaikwad, younger and perhaps a bit more flamboyant, has captured the imagination of fans with his performances in the IPL for Chennai Super Kings. With 2533 runs in 37 first-class matches at an average of 41.52, Gaikwad’s numbers aren’t just promising; they’re compelling. His high score of 195 and 7 centuries in FC cricket indicate a player who can build an innings or take the attack to the opposition, much like Kohli does.
Gaikwad’s record in the IPL, where he led the run-scoring charts in 2021, showcases his ability to perform under pressure in high-stake matches. His leadership qualities, having captained CSK, suggest he could not only fill the batting slot but also eventually take on captaincy roles. His technique against pace and spin, combined with an aggressive yet calculated approach, makes him a like-for-like replacement for Kohli in the longer format. The challenge for Gaikwad will be to translate his domestic and T20 form into consistent Test performances.
As India continues to navigate through this series, with the score precariously balanced in Adelaide, the future without Kohli seems both daunting and exciting. Rajat Patidar and Ruturaj Gaikwad represent the blend of experience and youthful aggression that could redefine India’s batting order. Their journey in the shadow of a cricketing giant like Kohli will be fascinating to watch, as they strive to leave their mark on the canvas of Indian cricket, proving that even after legends retire, the game finds new heroes.
