IND vs ENG: Skipper Rohit Sharma reveals why Rajat Patidar was preferred over experienced veterans

India will be locking horns against England for a five-match Test series, starting January 25 in Hyderabad at the newly-revamped Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium. Just before the start of the series, the hosts were handed a big blow in the form of Virat Kohli, who won't be available for the first two games. As a result, young Rajat Patidar, who is yet to make his international debut, was called to replace the regular no. 4 batter.

Patidar's call-up was expected, however, it was also speculated that experienced campaigner Cheteshwar Pujara, who hasn't featured for India post the World Test Championship 2023 Final at The Oval, could well make a comeback. And addressing the choice, skipper Rohit Sharma came forward to express the actual intention behind picking someone like Patidar as a replacement, while overlooking the experience that Pujara boasts.

Speaking at the press conference a day prior to the Hyderabad game, Rohit said the BCCI, "We did actually think about it (having Pujara), but all these younger players - when are they going to get their opportunities? That's something that we thought as well. Leaving out an experienced player, or not considering them is very hard. Because of the amount of runs they've scored, the number of games they've won for the country, its very hard to ignore all of that.

The Indian skipper iterated that it is extremely important to give certain players (like Patidar) some chance in the conditions they are used to playing in, before exposing them to foreign conditions at overseas tours. The Nagpur-born feels that not turning back against youngsters is important, as it avoids a condition where majority of the eleven men don't have enough games under their belt before facing a big challenge.

"Sometimes, you gotta bring certain players into your set-up as well. You've gotta give them your favourable conditions, because you do not want to expose them on foreign tours, where they've not played before," the Indian skipper further added.

The doors are not closed for anyone: Rohit

Rohit, 36, was of the thought that all players, regardless of their age or experience aren't out of contention to find their way back into the team. He re-assured that as long as anyone is performing at the domestic or whatever level of cricket they're playing, the doors will always be open for them. As a leader, Rohit wants players to be fit and performing, so that the team will award them a place in the XI.

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"I am not saying, by no means, the doors are closed for anyone. As long as they stay fit and keep scoring runs, anyone will be welcomed back into the setup, and at the same time keep looking at other players to give them some game time," Rohit concluded.