Xtra Time Web Desk: With doubts hovering over Rohit Sharma’s availability for the rescheduled fifth test against England starting from Friday (July 01), Jasprit Bumrah can be entrusted with the responsibility of leading India at Edgbaston. It will be the first time a fast bowler will lead India in a test match after legendary Kapil Dev if Bumrah is named as the captain.
With regular captain Rohit Sharma testing positive for Covid-19 and KL Rahul not available, Bumrah is likely to occupy the hot seat. He is the designated vice-captain on this tour to England. There is still a slim chance for Rohit to play though and lead India. The star batter is isolating himself in the Team Hotel in Birmingham. He is serving a mandatory five-day isolation period for Covid-positive persons. Rohit will finish his quarantine just before the test match begins, but that may be a risky proposition as he would be going into the fifth test without any practice for last five days.
“If given an opportunity (to lead India), it would be an honour. I don’t think any player would say no. There’s no bigger feeling than that,” Bumrah had said earlier this year when he was named vice-captain for the ODI series in South Africa.