In a shocking turn of events, team India skipper Rohit Sharma has tested positive for COVID-19 following a Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) conducted on Saturday. The Indian team were involved in a warm-up match against Leicestershire ahead of the final Test match against host England. Rohit is currently in isolation at the team hotel and is under the care of the BCCI Medical Team.
Although the BCCI hasn’t given a clear picture regarding the exact number of days Rohit needs to remain isolated, it’s understood that he may have to serve a seven-day quarantine period and must return multiple negative results before rejoining the squad. Therefore, the participation of Rohit in the Edgbaston Test is in jeopardy, which is a huge setback for the visiting side.
Rohit had a memorable test series when India toured England last year as the experienced opener emerged as India’s top run-getter with 368 runs from 8 innings at an astonishing average of 52.57.
The solidity provided by the opening pair of Rohit and Rahul was one of the major reasons behind India’s unassailable lead of 2-1 in the unfinished five-match series. In the absence of both these outstanding openers, it would certainly be a daunting task for the Indian top order to thrive against the English pace attack.