The Indian team has been hit by a huge blow just before the start of the 5th and final Test between India and England. The skipper of the Indian team, Rohit Sharma will be missing the 5th Test that starts on July 1.
In the absence of the regular skipper, the right-arm pacer, Jasprit Bumrah will be taking the responsibility to lead the Indian team. Rohit, who played the warm-up game against Leicestershire, scored 25 runs in the first inning and did not come to bat in the second inning.
He tested positive for the COVID-19 after the completion of the practice match. Since he is tested positive for the second time and can’t recover in time, he will not be available for the final game of the 5-match Test series against England.
There were reports that Virat Kohli might step in as captain or Rishabh Pant might lead as he has decent captaincy experience. But, the team management has decided to give Jasprit Bumrah a captaincy responsibility.
Since the former skipper, Kapil Dev, it will be the first time that an Indian fast bowler will be captaining the Indian Test side. The fifth Test will be an important game for the visitors as they lead the series by 2-1.
The final game was postponed due to corona cases in the Indian camp. If the visitors manage to win or draw the upcoming Test, it will be a historic win for India since it can be the first Test series win in England since 2007.
However, it will not be an easy job for the Indian team to take on England. The hosts are in stunning form as they whitewashed the New Zealand in the three-match Test series.
The England Test side is looking dangerous under Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum. With both Rohit and Rahul, who scored most of the runs in the first four Tests, won’t be available, Kohli and Pujara would be looking to take the responsibility in the batting.