Mayank or Vihari to replace Gill, KL to play in middle order - Report

India is set for a stiff challenge in England. The Virat Kohli-led side will lock horns with the hosts in a marquee five-match Test series. India doesn’t have a great record in England and have not won a series in the country since 2007. It will be a great feat to achieve if India can emerge victorious in the series. It won’t be easy by any means though. Meanwhile, the visitors were dealt with a massive blow as their primary opener Shubman Gill has been ruled out of the first Test. Gill was instrumental in India’s last overseas series against Australia.

Advertisment

However, despite the injury concern, they can breathe a sigh of relief as they have plenty of backup options available. They have two genuine openers in KL Rahul and Mayank Agarwal. They also have Hanuma Vihari, who has proven his skills in challenging conditions. In fact, Vihari has also opened for India and can be used against the new ball. India can also use Mayank Agarwal at the top and bring in one of Vihari and Rahul in the middle order. It all depends on the team combination.

Also read: The team that tops the WTC table should host the final, suggests Aakash Chopra - Sky247 Blog

"Rahul’s game against the new ball has not been up to the mark over the last year. He could be a very good option down the order. Vihari has shown he has the ability to play out the new ball,” a source who is close to team India’s management told Times of India.

Advertisment

Meanwhile, the source further gave updates on Gill’s injury and said it’s unlikely that the opener will be fit for the series.

“Shubman is very upset right now. The injury looks bad. BCCI is contacting the best professionals to get Shubman treated in England. While the team management wishes that he recovers in time for the series, it looks unrealistic. It needs to be seen if he needs surgery,” the source concluded.

Follow SKY247.net for all the latest cricket, football, and other sports news from all parts of the world.