India’s rookie batter Devdutt Padikkal is set to replace Rajat Patidar in India’s final XI for the fifth Test against England, according to a report in Hindustan Times. Patidar has failed to grab his opportunity in the last three Test matches and thus Padikkal could make his Test debut.

The Madhya Pradesh batter has scored 63 runs in three Test matches at an average of 10.5 and has failed to impress. Furthermore, Patidar has failed to even get off the mark twice in the six innings he has played.

Meanwhile, KL Rahul is unlikely to be available for selection as he has been sent to London for further treatment of his quadriceps injury.

“Padikkal will make his debut in Dharamsala,” Hindustan Times quoted a BCCI source as saying. “Rahul is unlikely to be available and the team management wants to have a look at Padikkal as it is the last international fixture before the IPL.”

On the other hand, Padikkal was named in the Test squad after KL Rahul was ruled out of the third match against England at Rajkot.

The 23-year-old has scored 2227 runs in 31 first-class matches at an average of 44.54. The left-hander has been in terrific form in the ongoing Ranji Trophy season, scoring 556 runs in four matches at an impressive average of 92.66 and thus he was rewarded by the selectors for his consistent performances.

Padikkal has played two T20Is for India in which he has scored 38 runs and he will look to grab his chance if he gets a chance in the playing XI.

The fifth and final Test match will be played at Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium, Dharamsala from March 7.