Rajat Patidar had a decent start to his Test career as he scored a fine 32 from 77 balls in the first innings after India opted to bat in the second Test, hammering three fours in the process. A day ahead of the Test match, Rajat said that it was always his biggest dream to represent India in the longest format of the sport while getting an international call up in Test cricket is the happiest moment for him ever since he has returned from a telling injury that ruled him out of last year’s IPL.

Knitting together a crucial 70-run stand for the fourth wicket with Yashasvi Jaiswal, Patidar looked as comfortable as ever while rotating strike and also maintained his ice-cold composure during the knock. 

At the close of play on Day 1, Patidar said, “It was a dream come true moment for me. Representing the country is a dream for every player. Going into the middle, there was no pressure as I have played a lot of games in domestic cricket. I slept well last night. It was normal for me. I have also played two series at the A level (NZ and England). It gives a lot of confidence when you play at that level. I gained confidence playing against the Lions (recently). The two hundreds against the Lions were very crucial for me.”

Addressing the long wait for his Test debut, Patidar added, “Waiting for so long is common in Indian cricket (laughs). There are a lot of players. I was just focusing on things that were in my hands. So at the age of 30, I came here, feeling pretty good.”

Patidar,  who represents RCB in the IPL, concluded by heaping praise on Yashasvi Jaiswal, stating, “We (Yashasvi and I) were talking about taking the game as long as possible. My innings, it was good but I have to make it big. Talking about Yashasvi, he is a very good player. The way he takes on the bowlers, he has special ability in him.”