Mello trophy

With Rajat Patidar: With Rajat Patidar being called up to India’s Test squad for the England series as a replacement for Virat Kohli, who has pulled out of the first two Tests against England for personal reasons, legendary leg-spinner Anil Kumble felt the right-handed batter’s call-up was a reward for him doing well over the years.

At the same time, he was unsure of Patidar being given a place in the playing eleven for the Hyderabad Test starting on Thursday. Patidar is coming to Hyderabad after making 151 off 158 balls in the first four-day match against England Lions at Ahmedabad, with the knock coming in an under-pressure situation in the first innings.

He also scored 111 in a two-day practice match against the same opposition. In first-class cricket, Patidar, 30, has amassed 4000 runs in 93 innings at an average of 45.97, with 12 centuries and 22 half-centuries, as a batter at number three and four for Madhya Pradesh, carving a reputation for making big runs on tough pitches coupled with solid temperament.