Who will open with Rohit Sharma?

Rohit Sharma bats in the nets during a training session at Trent Bridge Cricket Ground in Nottingham, central England on August 2, 2021 ahead of the first Test match between England and India. Pic/AFP

A blow to the head on Monday while batting in the nets has ruled opener Mayank Agarwal out of the first Test against England. The decision was taken following a concussion test. Agarwal, though, is stable, said a BCCI statement.

The injury has given Team India some headache as they have to search for an opening partner for Rohit Sharma again, after Shubman Gill returned home with a shin injury.

Vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane ruled promoting No. 3 Cheteshwar Pujara. So, the options are KL Rahul and Abhimanyu Easwaran. G Hanuma Vihari could also be considered. He agreed to open the innings in the third Test at Melbourne during the 2018-19 tour of Australia.

Also Read: Ajinkya Rahane to India batsmen: Back your methods