Rohit Sharma had tested positive for Covid 19. This came as a massive setback to the Indian team. The questions on his availability for the fifth and final Test match against England have been doing rounds ever since. In what can be called an interesting development, the opener is all set to miss the Test.
According to a report by Dainik Jagran, he won’t be playing the rescheduled fifth Test. Sharma was India’s top-run scorer of the series with 368 runs to his name with an average of 52.57. The opening duo of Sharma and KL Rahul gave impressive starts to India on numerous occasions throughout the series. Rahul was India’s second-highest run-scorer with 315 runs from 8 innings. He’s also been ruled out of the series due to an injury.
Sharma’s absence would mean a new captain will be leading the team in his absence. Jasprit Bumrah is expected to captain the side. Ever since the news of Rohit testing positive came out, the Indian fans took to various social media platforms with their request of seeing Virat Kohli captaining the team for one final time. Kohli was the captain of the series in the first four matches in 2021. India are leading the 5 match series by 2-1 and are on the verge of winning their 4th series on English soil. India last won a Test series in England in 2007.
Meanwhile, the final decision on Rohit’s inclusion in the team will be taken today. The Chairman of the Indian Cricket Board Selection Committee Chetan Sharma is also reaching Birmingham today. The Indian team coach Rahul Dravid will have a discussion with Chetan and the final decision on Rohit’s participation in the 5th Test will be taken.
“Rohit is still in isolation. If Rohit tests negative on Wednesday, he most probably is available for the match. He is match-fit and should not be a problem,” a member of the selection committee was quoted by InsideSport.
Chairman (selection committee) will reach England on Wednesday and if a captaincy decision needs to be taken, he will at that time,” he added.
