Rohit Sharma sacked as India's captain; replacement picked

Rohit Sharma is set to be sacked as the Test captain before the upcoming five-match Test series against England. The highly anticipated series is scheduled to start on June 20, and Team India is likely to have a new captain in place.

Rohit Sharma's position as the Test captain has been under scrutiny since last season, when India suffered two dismal series losses. The first loss was a 3-0 defeat at home against New Zealand. It was India's first Test series loss at home since 2012-13.

BCCI unhappy with recent Test results

It was followed by a 3-1 defeat in Australia as India conceded the Border-Gavaskar Trophy for the first time since 2017. Those two defeats also stopped India from qualifying for the WTC final for the third time in a row. With the team losing game after game, Rohit Sharma faced severe criticism not only for his leadership but his batting.

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In 6 innings against New Zealand, the veteran opener managed to score only 91 runs at an average of 15.16. His poor form with the bat continued during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy as well, as he managed to score only 31 runs in 5 innings at an average of 6.20.

Rohit Sharma to be sacked as Test captain:

With Rohit Sharma leading India to glory in the Champions Trophy in March, many believed that he would get another chance to prove himself as the Test captain as well. However, the selectors have reportedly decided against it.

The Indian Express has reported that the Ajit Agarkar-led selection panel has decided to remove Rohit Sharma as captain of India’s Test team. There will be a new captain in place for the series against England. There is also no clarity on Rohit's place as a batsman in the Test team. The report stated that the BCCI would back the selectors’ decision.

The news outlet stated that the move is not driven by a need for transition but by Rohit's poor display in red-ball cricket. However, the star opener will continue to lead the team in the 50-over format.

BCCI informs Rohit about their decision

The BCCI was keen on continuing with Rohit as the Test captain. Rohit himself expressed his excitement to lead the team in England during his recent appearance on former Australian captain Michael Clarke’s podcast, ‘Beyond 23’.

However, the selectors had several discussions over Rohit's future in the Test team and have eventually decided to remove him as the captain.

"The selectors’ thought process is clear. They want a new leader for the England tour, and Rohit doesn’t fit in as a captain, especially considering his red-ball form. They want to groom a young leader for the next Test cycle and the selection committee has informed the BCCI that Rohit won’t lead the team," a source told the news outlet.

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