Reports – Ajinkya Rahane to lead India in first Test against New Zealand

If reports are to be believed, then Ajinkya Rahane is likely to lead India in the first Test against New Zealand. Indian skipper Virat Kohli, who has been rested from the T20I series against the Kiwis, will also miss the first Test. He will return to lead the team in the second game.

Earlier, there were few reports that Rohit Sharma will be promoted as the vice-captain of the side and will lead the team in Kohli’s absence. However, Sharma too is unlikely to feature in the series. He was set to play the first Test and take a rest when Kohli returns in the second game but selectors thought that Rohit needs a longer break.

Speaking about Rahane, there have been calls to drop the batter from the team following his extended lean patch. Barring a ton against Australia in Melbourne, Rahane has not much to show with the bat. He comes into the series after a horrific outing against England in England.

Meanwhile, other senior players like Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Rishabh Pant are also likely to be rested for the series. KL Rahul will be part of the series and will most probably occupy the opening slot. It will be interesting to see what combination India go in with. For the opening slot, India will have options of Shubman Gill and Prithvi Shaw. Meanwhile, in the absence of Pant, Wriddhiman Saha could also get some game time. The first Test will start on 25th November in Kanpur.