ENG vs IND: 3 Players who can replace injured Rohit Sharma in fifth Test

Team India is in danger of losing Rohit Sharma for the fifth and final Test against England. The veteran has been phenomenal in the ongoing series and his absence could dent India’s chances of clinching the final game. For the unversed, the official Twitter page of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), on Sunday (September 5), notified Rohit alongside Cheteshwar Pujara won’t take the field on Day 5 of the fourth Test at the Kennington Oval.

While the cause of Rohit’s discomfort isn’t clear yet, several fans and experts are concerned about his fitness status. After all, the Hitman has been tormenting England bowlers in this series. While many Indian batters have struggled, Rohit has played several sensational knocks. The veteran batter has given the visitors substantial starts regularly by tackling the new red cherry with precision. Rohit, in fact, is currently the second-highest run-scorer of the series with 368 in eight innings.

This also includes a stellar century in the fourth Test at the Kennington Oval in London. Hence, losing Rohit for the final game would be one of the last things the visitors would want. Although filling Rohit’s shoes would take some beating, India have several potent replacements. Notably, the fifth and final Test gets underway on September 10 at the Emirates Old Trafford in Manchester.

Meanwhile, let’s look at 3 players who can replace injured Rohit Sharma in the fifth Test

1. Mayank Agarwal

Mayank Agarwal will definitely be the first-choice replacement in case Rohit misses the final game. Although the star opener hasn’t played for India since the famous Gabba Test earlier this year, he has proved his mettle at the highest level. Agarwal has a sound technique that allows him to take the new ball with precision. He also likes to play attacking shots to get the scoreboard moving.

It must be noted that Agarwal has as many as two double centuries in Test cricket. Hence, the team management has all the reasons to include him if Rohit goes out of the picture. Notably, Agarwal might have played the first four games, had he not sustained a concussion ahead of the first Test.

A blow in the head during practice ruled Mayank out of the first Test. His Karnataka and Punjab Kings teammate KL Rahul subsequently got the chance and he grabbed it with both hands. However, Rohit’s ouster might bring Agarwal back in the picture.