The Men in Blue are currently on their way to England for a multi-formal series. The tour will kick off with the rescheduled test match from last year, which will start on July 1. But ahead of the match, the Indian team was hit by a huge setback as the skipper, Rohit Sharma, was positive for COVID-19.
Rohit was confirmed Covid positive on Saturday and has gone into a six-day isolation. But there was speculation that he might get fit and take part in the match.
But now all the doubts have been cleared and it has been confirmed that Rohit will miss the fifth and final match against England. As per some media reports, a BCCI source confirmed that the 35-year-old is not in a position to recover.
As a result, he will not take part in the match. The report further suggests that the Indian spearhead, Jasprit Bumrah, will be seen leading the Indian side. He will become only the second fast bowler in Indian cricket history to lead the national side.
Kapil Dev (1987) was the first pacer who led India, and after 35 years, Bumrah will make history. However, the other question will be whether India will be able to fill the boots of Rohit as a batter.
IND vs ENG: Jasprit Bumrah to lead the side, Mayank Agarwal will replace Rohit Sharma
Rohit Sharma was the leading run-scorer for India in the first four matches of the series. He was behind the former English skipper, Joe Root. Rohit scored 368 runs in 8 innings at an average of 52.57, including two half-centuries and one century.
India’s second-leading run-scorer, KL Rahul, is also not part of the team. That will put a lot of pressure on the Indians. Cheteshwar Pujara (227 runs) and Virat Kohli (218 runs) need to take more responsibility.
The BCCI has added Mayank Agarwal in place of Rohit Sharma. So he will open the innings with Subhman Gill. So, the Indian opening pair are looking inexperienced at the moment. It will be a big task ahead for them.
Speaking of the bowling attack, Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami will lead the pace attack. If India decides to go with four seamers, Shardul Thakur and Mohammed Siraj might get the game.
The match will start on Friday, July 1 at 3 PM IST.
Who will lead the Indian team in the absence of Rohit Sharma against England?
Some reports have cleared that Jasprit Bumrah will lead the team.
Who was the first pacer to lead the Indian side?
Kapil Dev was the first pacer to lead the Indian team and Jasprit Bumrah will create history as he will become only the second pacer to do so.
When will the fifth and final Test match between India and England start?
The match will start on Friday, July 1 at 3 PM IST at Edgbaston, Birmingham.
Who will open the innings if Rohit Sharma will not play against England in the fifth and final Test match?
Shubman Gill and Mayank Agarwal will open the innings for India.