Rohit Sharma replaces Cheteshwar Pujara as vice-captain of Indian Test team against Australia

NEW DELHI

Senior opener Rohit Sharma was on 1 January appointed the vice-captain of the Indian Test team for the first time in his career, replacing Cheteshwar Pujara, who was entrusted with the responsibility for the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne.

After regular captain Virat Kohli went on paternity leave after the first Test in Adelaide, Pujara was named Ajinkya Rahane’s deputy for the second match.

“There was never an iota of doubt about who will be India’s vice-captain once Virat takes a break and Ajinkya is elevated. It was always going to be Rohit and Pujara was just a stop-gap arrangement till the former joined the squad,” a senior official told agencies on conditions of anonymity.

“Rohit has been India’s long-time white ball vice-captain, so it was only imperative that in Virat’s absence, he will be a part of the team’s leadership group,” the official added.

Rohit Sharma completed his 14 days of hard quarantine in a Sydney apartment only a few days back and has joined the squad in Melbourne on Wednesday. He received a warm welcome from one and all.

The Indian team will leave for Sydney on January 5 for the New Year’s Test, which is scheduled to start on January 7. (PTI)