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After reports flooded social media on Team India skipper Rohit Sharma leading the side in the five-match Test series against England, new reports have revealed some shocking details. It is to be noted that England is set to host India in a five-match Test series, set to commence from June 20 with the final Test set to be played from July 31 till August 4 at The Oval in London.
According to a report by India Today, Rohit Sharma has decided to withdraw from the upcoming series after his below average performance in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 in Australia. It is to be seen that Rohit Sharma’s recent form in Test cricket has been under scrutiny, seeing that the 37-year-old could only manage 31 runs in three matches down under.
Furthermore, things escalated as the Mumbai batter dropped himself from the playing XI for the fifth and final Test of BGT series in Sydney, with Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah returning to helm. With a challenging series coming ahead, the decision to take a break rather than risk another underwhelming performance could be a strategic move.
Virat Kohli likely to retain place in Indian squad; Jasprit Bumrah to lead in Rohit Sharma’s absence
Although, Rohit Sharma’s decision is yet to be confirmed, the reports also add that India’s mainstay batter Virat Kohli is likely to retain his place in the Test squad. Although, Kohli too hasn’t had a great outing in the Tests, but remains a pillar in the Indian batting lineup. Furthermore, Kohli’s experience and ability to handle English conditions will be instrumental as India eye to register first win since 2007.
Also it could be said that the upcoming England tour could be Kohli’s last after he made a startling comment at an Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) event. Speaking at the event, Kohli said, “I might ot have another Australia tour in me, so I am at peace with whatever happened in the past.” Additionally, if Rohit Sharma continues to remain absent, Jasprit Bumrah, who is likely to return to competitive action by next month, is set to lead the side after he led India to victory in the first Test of the BGT 2024-25 in Perth.
