Opener Rohit Sharma, who was not rested from the squad for the upcoming T20 series against New Zealand and was elevated as the skipper of the side replacing Virat Kohli, has asked for rests during the Test series that is scheduled to follow the three T20Is, TOI reported.
Rohit has made himself unavailable for selection for both the Tests against New Zealand and with his absence India will have to take a big call on the other opener—KL Rahul, who has been appointed as Rohit’s deputy in the shortest format.
Notably, Virat Kohli too has asked for a break for the first Test of the series and he is set to be away from the action for a significant period of time as he has been rested from the T20I series as well.
In absence of Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane will be on leadership duty for the Test series against New Zealand.
If all of Rohit, Rahul and Kohli will be given rest considering their extended stay in the biosecure bubble this year, India would be looking to field a completely new opening pair from the last series against England.