Rohit Sharma's abysmal performance in the current Test series in Australia has sent Indian cricket into panic mode, with urgent calls being made to save the team from falling any further.
What started as a promising series under the captaincy of Jasprit Bumrah has turned into a familiar capitulation under the leadership of Rohit.
The signs were already there during the preceding Test series defeat against New Zealand in which poor selection and timid captaincy saw India suffer their first ever whitewash at home. That result not only ruined India's pristine record in Tests but also their chances of making it to the World Test Championship final.
India were offered a glimpse into the future in the first Test in Perth where, under Bumrah, they registered one of their biggest wins on Australian soil.
However, as soon as Rohit returned to the team following a break for personal reasons, the team fell back into old habits. The pink-ball Test was lost easily, while the weather rescued India in the third Test in Brisbane.
The Indians seemed on their way to saving the Melbourne Test as well but a horror final session saw the team lose by 184 runs. The writing is now on the wall for Rohit in Test cricket and the fifth Test in Sydney is almost certain to be his last.
Here we take a look at the top candidates to take over from Rohit as India captain in the Test format.
Jasprit Bumrah
The fast bowler is in incredible form and it is shame he is likely to end up on the losing side after a remarkable series. Bumrah has single-handedly kept India in the contest in all four Tests with 30 wickets so far and his captaincy in the Perth win was top-class. His smart field placings, effective bowling changes and ability to marshal a young squad were poles apart from Rohit's poor leadership skills.
Bumrah is expected to take over as soon as Rohit vacates his spot. However, the fast bowler is unlikely to be a long-term option as his workload has to be managed closely and he could miss a few series to extend his bowling career, which has already seen a major back injury.
Rishabh Pant
The wicketkeeper batsman is almost certain to play Tests home or away. Even in the current series where he has failed to score a fifty, Pant has only two low scores and has had good starts in five innings. Although it must be said his rash shot in Melbourne sparked a collapse, which saw India lose a Test there were all set to draw.
Pant has leadership experience and could be asked to skipper the side whenever Bumrah, if made captain, is unavailable. Also, as a wicketkeeper captain, he won't be under pressure to deliver with the bat every innings, unlike Rohit or Virat Kohli, which could make leadership a bit easier.
KL Rahul
The middle-order-turned opening batsman seems at home in the Test format. Rahul's all-round game and stable technique makes him one of the few experienced Test specialists in the squad.
His performance in tough conditions as an opener in Australia should serve him well in the next Test cycle and since he is only 32, Rahul can be expected to be a part of the Indian team for a number of years.
Rahul has reinvented his game late in his career and, since he is not part of the T20 set-up, he can focus all his energies on Test cricket.
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5 of the most-popular Airbnb locations in Dubai
Bobby Grudziecki, chief operating officer of Frank Porter, identifies the five most popular areas in Dubai for those looking to make the most out of their properties and the rates owners can secure:
• Dubai Marina
The Marina and Jumeirah Beach Residence are popular locations, says Mr Grudziecki, due to their closeness to the beach, restaurants and hotels.
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh482 to Dh739
Two bedroom: Dh627 to Dh960
Three bedroom: Dh721 to Dh1,104
• Downtown
Within walking distance of the Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa and the famous fountains, this location combines business and leisure. “Sure it’s for tourists,” says Mr Grudziecki. “Though Downtown [still caters to business people] because it’s close to Dubai International Financial Centre."
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh497 to Dh772
Two bedroom: Dh646 to Dh1,003
Three bedroom: Dh743 to Dh1,154
• City Walk
The rising star of the Dubai property market, this area is lined with pristine sidewalks, boutiques and cafes and close to the new entertainment venue Coca Cola Arena. “Downtown and Marina are pretty much the same prices,” Mr Grudziecki says, “but City Walk is higher.”
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh524 to Dh809
Two bedroom: Dh682 to Dh1,052
Three bedroom: Dh784 to Dh1,210
• Jumeirah Lake Towers
Dubai Marina’s little brother JLT resides on the other side of Sheikh Zayed road but is still close enough to beachside outlets and attractions. The big selling point for Airbnb renters, however, is that “it’s cheaper than Dubai Marina”, Mr Grudziecki says.
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh422 to Dh629
Two bedroom: Dh549 to Dh818
Three bedroom: Dh631 to Dh941
• Palm Jumeirah
Palm Jumeirah's proximity to luxury resorts is attractive, especially for big families, says Mr Grudziecki, as Airbnb renters can secure competitive rates on one of the world’s most famous tourist destinations.
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh503 to Dh770
Two bedroom: Dh654 to Dh1,002
Three bedroom: Dh752 to Dh1,152
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