India's designated vice-captain, KL Rahul, is unlikely to be available for the England tour. Before the T20I series against South Africa, the right-handed batter suffered a groin injury and will now travel to Germany for treatment.
In his absence, skipper Rohit Sharma will be assisted by new vice-captain for the final Test match and subsequent white-ball series.
According to Insidesport, wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant will be promoted and will aid skipper Rohit Sharma. In the ongoing five-match T20I series against South Africa, the 24-year-old is leading the Men in Blue, and he is now preparing to join the leadership group in Test cricket as well.
According to the report, opener Mayank Agarwal has been placed on standby, and a decision regarding him would be taken soon.
“Mayank has been put on standby for England tour. We have asked the team management if they need a replacement for Rahul. We should get an answer by 19th. In that case, Mayank will fly to UK with the second batch. But it’s not finalised yet. Rishabh will be vice-captain,” a senior BCCI official was quoted as saying by InsideSport.
For the first time since his debut, Mayank was left out of the Test squad. Even if he is included in the squad, the right-handed batter is likely to be benched because Rohit and Shubman Gill are expected to open the innings.
The rescheduled Test match between India and England will take place in Edgbaston from July 1 to 5. The majority of the Indian players arrived in England a few days ago, while skipper Rohit Sharma arrived on 17th June, Friday.
Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant, Rahul Dravid, and members of the coaching staff will arrive in England after 19th June. The Indian team will play one Test match and six white-ball matches against England.
(Insidesport inputs)
