"Didn’t feel any pressure" - Rajat Patidar on his Test debut

Rajat Patidar had to wait a bit to make his Test debut but the 30-year-old didn’t look out of place while batting on day one of the second Test against England in Visakhapatnam on Friday (February 2). 

The stylish batter from Madhya Pradesh crafted 32 off 72 deliveries before unfortunately getting played down off Rehan Ahmed’s bowling.

“It was a dream-come-true moment for me. I didn’t feel any pressure as I have played a lot of games in domestic cricket on this track. Yes, I slept well last night. It was normal for me,”  said Patidar, who came into this game after smashing two tons against England Lions.

“I gained confidence with those hundreds. Waiting for so long is common in Indian cricket. There are a lot of contenders. I was just focusing on things that are in my hands. So at the age of 30, I came here and it feels good.”

The right-hander added 70 runs with Yashasvi Jaiswal who stole all the limelight on day one. The left-handed opener is still unbeaten on 179 and was the only Indian batter to convert his start. India ended the day with 336/6 on the board.

“He is a very good player. There is something special about the way he takes on the bowlers. I felt my innings was a good one, but I need to make a big one.

“We were talking about taking our stand as far as possible. We were playing each ball on merit.”