India captain Rohit Sharma took to Instagram on Monday to post a selfie of himself giving a thumbs-up in the wake of his reported Covid-19 positive test. Rohit, whose participation in the postponed fifth Test against England that starts on July 1 is under a cloud due to his positive test, can be seen smiling while making the gesture, all of which has led to fans speculating whether this is an indication from the opening batter that he is ready to rejoin the team.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had on Monday announced that it has flown in Mayank Agarwal as cover for Rohit. It means that Agarwal will open the innings for India at Edgbaston, where the fifth Test will be played, if Rohit cannot join the squad. However, the jury is still out on who will captain the team, with vice-captain KL Rahul ruled out for the tour. Names being suggested were of star performers such as Jasprit Bumrah and Rishabh Pant, but the uncertainty created an atmosphere of concern.
However, fans are now wondering whether Rohit's post means that India won't have to worry about getting a new captain at all.
Rohit will also be important to India’s chances because of his batting. Having opened the batting in the first four matches of the series, Rohit had shown great form, being India’s top-scorer with 368 runs in 8 innings. With KL Rahul already out through injury, India would have to play two relatively inexperienced openers in their stead, such as Shubman Gill and Srikar Bharat.
{{/usCountry}}Rohit will also be important to India’s chances because of his batting. Having opened the batting in the first four matches of the series, Rohit had shown great form, being India’s top-scorer with 368 runs in 8 innings. With KL Rahul already out through injury, India would have to play two relatively inexperienced openers in their stead, such as Shubman Gill and Srikar Bharat.
{{/usCountry}}India and Indian fans will be hoping Rohit recovers from his bout of Covid soon, his presence being so important for the team. Fortunately, his story is a sign that he is already well on the way to recovery, and is a cause for optimism. While it is something of a race against time, Indian fans will be hopeful. Ravichandran Ashwin, who tested positive earlier last week, was deemed fit in time to participate in the warm-up match against Leicestershire. A similar timeline would see Rohit making it back in time for the match to begin.
India currently lead the 5-match series 2-1, the first four Tests having been played in August-September 2021. The rescheduled fifth Test will be played at Edgbaston in Birmingham, beginning on July 1. Both India and England will be playing under new leadership, with Rohit and Rahul Dravid leading India, and Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum leading England. India will be hoping for one last strong performance for the tour, retaining the trophy and taking it home to be defended when England visit next.