ENG vs IND: Fans want Virat Kohli to lead if Rohit Sharma misses Birmingham Test

The Indian team are scheduled to play their fifth and final Test match against England on July 1, which was postponed last year after a Covid-19 outbreak in the Indian camp. But they are facing an uphill battle as they lost KL Rahul earlier due to a groin injury, and now skipper Rohit Sharma is doubtful after testing positive for Covid-19. Meanwhile, Virat Kohli’s name is being circulated on social media as many want to see him take the reigns in the fifth Test.

The Indian skipper is currently undergoing isolation and is a doubt about the rescheduled Test at Edgbaston. Since the Indian team didn’t name any vice-captain for this fixture, there is no designated player to take over from the ill Indian skipper. Rishabh Pant is the most viable candidate for the role as he took charge of the Indian team in the recently concluded T20I series against South Africa after an injury to KL Rahul, who was set to lead the Indian side in that series.

But the fans on social media are vocal about their desire to see former skipper Kohli to take up the position in the absence of Rohit Sharma. Kohli has stepped down from his role as the Test skipper earlier this year after a disappointing series defeat in South Africa. His decision to quit the Test captaincy came as a shock to many as he had previously let go of the white ball captaincy role after a disappointing T20 World Cup in 2021.

Although Kohli has struggled to make big runs in recent times, his energy on the field is infectious and galvanizes the team to do well. His passionate reactions and celebrations often provided fuel to his teammates in difficult situations. India can do with him leading the side for one final time as they will be up against a resurgent England side, who are steamrolling the Kiwis in the ongoing Test series under the new regime of ‘Baz and Ben’.

Here’s how Twitter reacted:

Wishing for his speedy recovery.
In his absence Virat Kohli should lead team India.

— B Boro (@Im_Boro) June 26, 2022

Virat Kohli Captain Again 😛😗

— Vishal Dhawan (@VishalDhawan87) June 26, 2022

Let Kohli captain this match. Please.

— M (@aur_bhai) June 26, 2022

Ok but i have a doubt will Bumrah can lead India to Victory; India is currently 2-1 against England. But no-one knows. I think it's better to gave back captaincy to Virat Kohli MOST SUCCESSFUL TEST CAPTAIN OF INDIA! #INDvsENG #JuspritBumrah#ViratKohli #BCCI https://t.co/yg1H7HP6eX

— Hasnain Shah (@hasnain13_11) June 26, 2022

What😂😂 Abe Kohli bhai ko bna do, whi deserving captain hai series jeetne k liye

— MOHD FUZAIL AHMAD (@mohdfuzailahmad) June 26, 2022

Retweet if you want Virat Kohli to captain India for 5th test against England. pic.twitter.com/OaQ1V0jKs8

— Swetaaa (@SwetaTweets8) June 26, 2022

things seemed so easy and simple when Virat Kohli was the captain in all 3 formats. now i can't remember who is captaining which series. 😵‍💫💀#ViratKohli #ICT

— Vansh Garg (@v4nshgarg) June 26, 2022

Please make Kohli captain for this final test Please !! #TeamIndia #ViratKohli https://t.co/AgOKEN6kNh

— Y. (@yashhverse) June 26, 2022

Let Kohli captain the team. This is his victory! https://t.co/m6JeXmLshd

— JC (@jc_writes_) June 26, 2022