Sport

Kohli or Pant, who will lead India in the 5th Test vs England in Rohit’s absence?

June 26, 2022
Bharat Times

With Team India Captain Rohit Sharma likely to be ruled out of the 5th India vs England Test After testing positive for COVID-19, the big question arises with regards to leading the team in the all-important final Test. Last year, Rohit Was the leading run-scorer for India in the four Tests vs England, before the 5th Test had to be rescheduled following a Covid outbreak in the Indian camp. Courtesy of his super show with the bat and other actors, India lead the five-match series 2-1. The fifth Test starts at Edgbaston from July 1 and it will be interesting to see if Rohit succeeds in it.

How can Rohit Sharma still play the 5th Test?

Rohit can still play the 5th Test, but only if his test is negative in the subsequent rounds. Not to forget, Rohit has so far tested positive in the Rapid Antigen Test, which gives a quick report and there may be chances of a false positive. He has also tested for one round of RTPCR test, the report will come in a few hours and if he is positive in that test as well, it could be the end of Rohit Sharma’s quest to play the 5th Test. While as of the National Health Service, a Covid positive person should not come out of isolation for 5 days, there is no update from the BCCI or ECB on how many days Rohit will have to be in quarantine if he is actually positive.

Who to lead in Rohit’s absence?

That is the big question. Rohit Sharma has just taken the baton from Virat and was looking forward to his first match as captain in an overseas Test. It should not be forgotten that India are leading 2-1 in the Test series, thanks to which Virat has led India brilliantly in four Tests. Should he take the responsibility of the 5th Test? Knowing how important the match is, the series is at stake, India can count on this former captain to make a comeback. But this would be contrary to the normal process. In such cases, when the Chief Captain is missing, the Vice-Captain steps in. However, in this case, there is no vice-captain, as KL Rahul is also out of the team due to a back injury. The BCCI selectors have not named any VC for the 5th Test and will have to take a quick decision in case Rohit is not missing. If Virat is not considered then we can look at Rishabh Pant as the replacement captain. The 24-year-old cricketer led India in a T20I series against South Africa that ended in 2-all. With the selectors having full faith in him, there is a lot of potential for Pant to lead India.