ENG vs IND: 3 players who can replace Rohit Sharma at the top order

Team India has been suffering from the availability of Rohit Sharma who has tested positive for Covid-19 ahead of the upcoming 5th Test match (rescheduled) at Edgbaston in Birmingham on 1st July, Friday.

In addition to that, Team India has already lost the likes of KL Rahul who got injured during the home series against South Africa earlier this month. As of now, India will be hoping that Rohit Sharma might get well today as they need to win this game.

India has a lead of 2-1 in this series and everything will be depending on the upcoming match at Edgbaston. Moreover, Rohit Sharma is the top run-getter in this series, scoring 368 runs for his side.

With Rohit Sharma doubtful for the upcoming Test, let's have a look at the three players who can replace Rohit Sharma in the top order.

3. Srikar Bharat

KS Bharat has been added to the squad as a backup wicketkeeper-batsman for the left-hander, Rishabh Pant. He has done well in the recently concluded warm-up match against Leicestershire as he scored 70 runs in the first innings and 43 runs in the second.

He came to the limelight after having a good season with Royal Challengers Bangalore in IPL 2021 and played only two games when he represented Delhi Capitals in this edition of the Indian Premier League.

Bharat is a handy middle-order batter and can also make his mark by opening the innings for India in the upcoming game.

2. Hanuma Vihari

Hanuma Vihari is also a handy batter likewise KS Bharat and can also open the innings if India wants to try him alongside Shubman Gill. The right-handed batter has featured in the warm-up match against Leicestershire.

Hanuma Vihari has also opened the innings for India during the 2018-19 Australia series as the side witnessed some poor shows from Murali Vijay and KL Rahul during the Test series. 

1. Cheteshwar Pujara

Also Read: Harbhajan Singh wants this player to lead India in the absence of Rohit Sharma

Regarded as "The Wall", Cheteshwar Pujara doesn't need any introduction in this list. Also recognised as 'Mr. Dependable' Cheteshwar Pujara is the kind of player who can bat in any condition and can stand against any best bowling line-up in the world.

Moreover, the Indian bulwark has a lot of experience in overseas conditions and can adapt against the quality English pacers that he's going to face in the upcoming game.