"I'm trying to learn from Kohli's batting", says Rajat Patidar

Rajat Patidar, Virat Kohli (Pic: PTI/ File Pic)

Rajat Patidar who is expected to make his test debut in the second test match against England says he prides himself in being a good learner and has been trying to upgrade his skills by observing the RCB teammate Virat Kohli's batting.

The injuries blow for KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja provided an opportunity to Madhya Prasdesh's Rajat Patidar. He scored tons of runs in domestic cricket for MP.

"I always observe his (Kohli) batting from the back of the nets, especially his footwork and body movement while batting. I try to learn and add these things into my batting" Rajat Patidar told BCCI.TV referring to the time spent with Kohli in their IPL team Royal Challengers Bangalore.

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Star Indian batsman Virat Kohli opted out of the first two test matches against England due to personal reasons. "It is not easy but I am relentlessly after it," Patidar said about his pursuit of excellence.

The 30-year-old prolific middle-order batsman also stated that sharing the dressing room with Rahul Dravid and Rohit Sharma has also benefitted him.

"I have played with many Indian players in the domestic circuit. I have been interacting with Rahul sir since the last two series.

"I had not spoken a lot with Rohit bhai but I got to speak with him on this tour about batting. He shared his experiences in the nets, all this has increased my confidence," Patidar said.

The late bloomer said he won't curb his attacking style if he gets to make his Test debut on Friday. "I have an aggressive batting style and I started playing shots since the beginning of my domestic career. It is in my habit and it's all about preparation. I have prepared myself that way, so it has become a habit now," he said.

"I study the pattern of opponent bowlers, their field placements. I observe how Rohit bhai makes his field placements. I try to add-on these learnings into my game," he explained.

It has not been smooth sailing for Patidar, who endured his fair share of injury setbacks. The batter underwent a successful surgery to repair an Achilles heel injury that ruled him out of the last IPL.

"It is always difficult for a player when he gets injured. That time, I told myself I cannot change the time I will need to recover from the injury. I accepted this fact and worked in the present moment with a lot of focus," Patidar said. "To make a comeback after injury, getting my first Test call-up has been the happiest moment for me. It was my dream to represent my country in Test cricket."

Ben Stokes-led England team are leading the five-match test series with 1-0 against the hosts India.

(With PTI Inputs)