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India have been dealt a huge blow ahead of the rescheduled fifth Test against England at Edgbaston, Birmingham starting July 1. Rohit has not recovered from Covid-19 yet and will not take the field against the Ben Stokes-led England. In his absence, vice-captain Jasprit Bumrah will be leading the troops.
Bumrah was informed about it in a team meeting on June 29. In Rohit's absence, he became the obvious choice to lead India as KL Rahul missed out on the England tour due to groin injury.
When Bumrah walks out for coin toss, he will become the first fast bowler to captain India in 35 years after legendary Kapil Dev. He will be the 36th captain to lead India in the white-ball format.
Also, Mayank Agarwal is expected to open the innings alongside Shubman Gill. Agarwal was called in as cover when Rohit contracted the virus. Agarwal did not feature in the warm-up game against Leicestershire.
Wicketkeeper-batter Srikar Bharat also opened the innings in the warm-up game but is unlikely to get his debut cap. Cheteshwar Pujara may get to open the innings so that India can bolster the middle order.
