In the absence of Virat Kohli, team India’s Test vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane will lead India in the first test match against New Zealand. Rohit Sharma has requested rest for both the matches to come out of the bio bubble and relax. While Kohli will take a rest for the t20 series and first test game.
Rahane has been out of touch for a while when it comes to scoring runs except for a couple of innings in Australia and England. Team India has been dominating the home series for quite some time now. Therefore, the interim captain will have to lead the team not merely on paper or for namesake but by actually scoring runs. With the likes of Rohit and Virat out, Pujara and Rahane have big responsibilities on their shoulder as senior players of the team.
Rohit Sharma to take rest for the test series
The Times of India was in charge of the important report. It implied that Kohli, who was not named to the T20I squad, would be rested for the first Test. He’ll be back for the second game, taking over for Rahane. At the same time, Rohit would miss both matches in order to manage his workload. Earlier, there were talks about Rohit leading the test match but after confirmation of his rest, the responsibility was given to Rahane.
Who can open in the absence of Rohit?
Subhuman Gill, who suffered an injury earlier before the England series, is likely to make a comeback. Mayank Agarwal is another solid contender to open with KL Rahul.
Middle order management
With no Kohli in the middle-order for the opening Test, it is a great opportunity for Rahane and Pujara to score some runs. Shreyas Iyer gets an opportunity in the middle order. KS Bharat gets his maiden call for the team and will be a backup keeper.
Spin for Win
The selection of Jadeja, Ashwin, and Axar should be a no-brainer in these conditions.
Pace to set the base
No team is completed without its pace attack. Ishant Sharma will spearhead the pace assault, which will include the return of elder Umesh Yadav. Ishant, Umesh, and Mohammed Siraj appear to be lock-ins for the starting XI. Avesh Khan, who received his first T20I call-up, is expected to reach the Test team as well.
However with so much talent and capability to explore, it will be very interesting to watch how Rahane manages the team.
