The BCCI is reportedly unsure about replacing Rohit Sharma as Test captain and has included him in the squad for the England tour to provide experienced leadership.
Rohit Sharma is likely to travel with the Indian squad for the five-Test series in England starting June 20. As per reports from the Times of India, selectors have shortlisted 35 players to be divided between the senior and ‘A’ teams. The BCCI appears unsure about handing over test leadership, which is prompting them to retain Rohit for now. India ‘A’ will tour England ahead of the senior side, offering chances to younger players.
“Rohit is most likely to travel as the board feels that one needs a strong captain through the series, which is likely to be as tough as the Australia tour,” the report quoted a BCCI source as saying.
Notably, Rohit’s Test future came under scrutiny after he opted out of a match against Australia last year. However, neither he nor the board has confirmed any change in plans.
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India’s selectors are reportedly also evaluating options for the middle-order slots in Tests, focusing on Rajat Patidar and Karun Nair. Both are in strong domestic form and may be included in the India ‘A’ squad for the England tour. Shreyas Iyer and Axar Patel are likely to miss out, with Iyer not returning since his dip in red-ball performance last year. The team management appears to lack confidence in Sarfaraz Khan, despite his recent domestic success.
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Concerns have also been raised about Mohammed Siraj’s consistency as the third seamer. In the spin department, Kuldeep Yadav is expected to serve as a backup to Ravichandran Ashwin. Meanwhile, Sai Sudharsan is being considered as a third-choice opener. Some senior Test players may feature in the ‘A’ side’s tour to get valuable match practice ahead of the five-match series. India’s red-ball squads for both tours will likely be finalized in the coming weeks.
