WEBDESK: India’s cricket captain, Rohit Sharma, will not be available for the upcoming Test series against England. Reports suggest that the experienced batter is likely to take a rest, though an official confirmation from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is still awaited.
As per reports, Sharma has opted for a break following his underwhelming performance in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) last year, where he managed just 31 runs in five innings before resting for the fifth Test. His struggles sparked debates about his future in the longest format, both as a player and as captain.
Rohit Sharma has been a key player for India, providing stability at the top of the batting order. His absence will be a major challenge for the team, which will now have to find a replacement for both his leadership and batting role. Fans and analysts are eagerly waiting for BCCI’s official statement regarding his unavailability.
With Rohit Sharma missing from the squad, the Indian team management will need to make crucial decisions about the opening batting pair and captaincy. Players like KL Rahul and Shubman Gill could be considered as openers, while Jasprit Bumrah or Rishabh Pant might take over the captaincy in his absence.
Despite the speculation, Sharma had previously dismissed retirement rumours, stating that his decision was not permanent.
“This is not a decision of retirement. I am not moving away from this game. But I took a decision to step away because I was not able to score runs with the bat,” Sharma had said.
He further addressed the external criticism, asserting that his future in the format would not be dictated by commentators or analysts.
“I have seen a lot of cricket. Every minute, every second, life changes. I believe things will change, but at the same time, I have to be realistic. People sitting in the commentary box, or writing with a laptop in their hands, will not decide how my life goes,” he added.
England’s Test series against India is highly anticipated, and Rohit Sharma’s absence may impact India’s strategy. His leadership and experience have played a vital role in previous Test matches, and his decision to rest will mean the team must adapt quickly to new combinations.
Read more: Haris Rauf added to Pakistan’s ODI squad against New Zealand
