Rahul Dravid and Rohit Sharma are in favour of Rajat Patidar's dismissal from the 5th Test, but there is a catch

The selection panel and the Indian team management, led by captain Rohit Sharma and head coach Rahul Dravid, are unsure about the release of a number of players before the fifth and final Test against England. The Test will take place in Dharamsala on March 7.

The think tank is worried about KL Rahul's fitness issues, and according to reports, he has gone to London to consult a doctor about discomfort in his right quadriceps. The injury has prevented him from playing in the last three Tests against the Ben Stokes-led team.

The selectors will make a decision by March 2, when the players return for the final contest. If Rahul does not recover, the selectors and management will have to continue with Rajat Patidar, which they are not in favour of.

According to a report in the Times of India, the selectors want to release Patidar to allow him to play for Madhya Pradesh in the semi-final of the Ranji Trophy. Madhya Pradesh will face Vidarbha on March 2.

Patidar has only scored 32 runs in six Test innings, with two ducks. The team and selectors are concerned about the manner of his dismissals.

If Rahul recovers from his injury, the team management will release Patidar. According to a source quoted by The Times of India,  the team management would like to see Rajat Patidar playing in the Ranji Trophy, but that depends on KL Rahul's fitness. If Rahul is ruled out, Rohit Sharma and Rahul Dravid will keep Rajat in the squad.