Jasprit Bumrah to lead if Rohit Sharma can't make it

Gaurav Joshi

Birmingham, June 29

For a few minutes today, Jasprit Bumrah sat next to Rahul Dravid on the bench adjacent to the practice nets. The pair exchanged a few words before Bumrah trudged off towards the dressing room. The two men could well be the most prominent decision-makers in the Test match against England, which starts on Friday.

Rohit Sharma is yet to recover from Covid and remains in isolation. Time is running out for the skipper to participate in the match, meaning India need to find a new leader and an opening partner for Shubman Gill.

Cheteshwar Pujara is one of the candidates, as is Hanuma Vihari. Pujara had a long stint in the nets against the seamers and also spent a considerable time examining the pitch with the Indian support staff. The former No. 3 has been in stellar form in county cricket, scoring three hundreds, and is tipped to return to the playing XI.

Vihari, the current No. 3, looked out of form in the warm-up match and also found the going tough in the nets. It has been learnt the team definitely wants the experienced Pujara in the playing XI, and that could lead to Vihari opening in case Rohit is ruled out. Coach Dravid also hinted at back-up wicketkeeper KS Bharat opening with Gill. “He is batting beautifully” Dravid said.

Vocal Kohli

One man who looked determined as ever was Virat Kohli. The former captain was extremely vocal and animated as he focused on his front foot defence. Even a blow to the hand didn’t stop him from carrying on facing the bowlers.

Mohammed Shami was a notable absentee from the practice session but it has been learnt the pacer was simply resting and should be fit to play. Rishabh Pant didn’t bat in the nets but spent quality time with the fielding coach on his wicketkeeping.

Ashwin available

India’s preparations have been hampered with Rohit still in isolation and Ravichandran Ashwin also recovering from Covid. Ashwin didn’t bat in the nets and only rolled his arm over for 10 minutes, but Dravid confirmed the all-rounder is fit and available for selection.

The only time the batting group got united was when it took a look at the pitch. Pujara spent plenty of time there, offering advice, and even Dravid dropped down on his knees to feel the surface. Come Friday, Dravid could well be working with yet another captain, and both will need to make astute decisions if India are to fight well against a red-hot England team.

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