Three players who can replace Rohit Sharma as skipper if he missed out the fifth Test against England

With only four days left in the start of the fifth Test between England and India, Rohit Sharma is likely to miss the game. On June 25, he was tested positive for COVID- 19 and is currently isolated in Leicester.

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According to the protocols, he needs to isolate himself for five days. Thus, his chances of appearing in the first Test is hanging by a thread.

If he misses out, the world number two Test side won't just miss the player but a skipper as well. We all know that the 35-year-old is the captain of the Indian team across formats. If he misses out, the team would have to appoint a new skipper who can manage the troops. In this listicle, we will discuss three names that could lead the Indian team in the Mumbai player's absence.

Three players who can lead India:

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Virat Kohli (Image Credit : Twitter)

1. Virat Kohli

The former skipper has led the team in 68 games from 2014 to 2022. Out of them, the team has won 40, lost 17 and drawn 11. Notably, he was leading the team last when the series was played. It won't be a bad decision if Virat Kohli is given the duty to lead the side in the fifth Test. Virat Kohli is one of the senior most-players in the team and has the experience of playing 101 games. 

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Jasprit Bumrah (Image Credit : Twitter)

2. Jasprit Bumrah 

Fans might remember him being elevated as the vice-captain when Kohli missed out on the Johannesburg Test, earlier this year. Recently, it was reported that the pace spearhead might lead the team if Sharma missed out.

If that happens, he will be the first pacer to lead India after Kapil Dev in 35 years. Since Dev's era, no pacer has led the team even though the team had someone like Zaheer Khan, who was the first-choice bowler in the team across formats.

Cheteshwar Pujara (Image Credit : Twitter)

3. Cheteshwar Pujara

Not many reader might remember this but Cheteshwar Pujara was elevated as vice-captain in the Border Gavaskar Trophy 2020-21 when Kohli left for the birth of his child. Given his seniority and the experience of 95 games, he might be asked to lead the team.

He could be a great option, thanks to his calm demeanor irrespective of the situation. Not to forget, he is coming on the back of sensational performances in County cricket and might lead by example in such high stake game.