5 Indian Players Who Can Replace Rohit Sharma As Test Opener

Rohit Sharma’s retirement from Test cricket was both known and shocking news to the fans. A few predicted the same after his struggling period in the last eight Tests against New Zealand and Australia, where he managed an average of just 10. However, the veteran’s career is defined differently.

Rohit Sharma was out of the longest format in the national side for a few years before returning to the side as an opener and making a significant contribution in various conditions.

In 67 games, the right-handed batter has smashed 4301 runs at an average of 40.57, thanks to 12 centuries and 18 fifties at the best score of 212 runs.

Now, the selectors will also need to think about choosing a new opener for the side.

Here is a list of 5 Indian players who can replace Rohit Sharma as a Test opener

1. Sai Sudharsan

The southpaw has been in tremendous form in the IPL 2025 with 509 runs in 11 innings at an average of 46.27 and a strike rate of 153.31, thanks to five half-centuries at the best score of 82 runs.

Sudharsan has contributed decently in the first-class format with 1957 runs in 49 innings at an average of around 40 with seven centuries and five fifties.

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Sai can get a chance to be part of the England series to replace Rohit Sharma. Many former players have touted him to be the next big thing in Indian cricket.

2. Ruturaj Gaikwad

Ruturaj Gaikwad is another upcoming future star on the national side. In 70 IPL innings, he has collected 2502 runs at an average of 40, with 20 fifties and two centuries.

The right-handed batter has smashed 2632 runs in 65 first-class innings, thanks to seven centuries and 14 half-centuries at the best score of 195 runs.

Considering he is at his prime years, this could be the best moment for Gaikwad to establish himself in Test cricket, replacing Rohit Sharma. He will, however, have a few tough situations and conditions to survive.

3. Abhimanyu Easwaran

Hardly anyone deserves a chance to open for India in Test cricket more than Abhimanyu Easwaran.

The Bengal batter has clubbed 7674 runs in 173 innings at an average of around 49, shouldering 27 centuries and 29 half-centuries at the best score of 233 runs.

Easwaran was part of the Indian squad in the Border Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 Down Under but didn’t get a chance to bat.

He has been part of many A-games, which will provide him with the experience to be part of these foreign tours.

At 29, his age could be a deal-breaker if the selectors look for a long-term option. But he can be a great replacement for Rohit Sharma in the longest format.

4. KL Rahul

The wicket-keeper batter has notched up 3257 runs in 101 innings at a Test average of around 34, thanks to eight centuries and 17 fifties.

As an opener, the veteran has made 2803 runs in the longest format in 83 innings at an average of 35, with 14 fifties and seven hundreds.

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Rahul has the experience of tackling any bowling in foreign conditions, and that will be a bonus for him replacing Rohit Sharma in the future.

5. Shubman Gill

Shubman Gill hasn’t received the same success in the five-day format as an opener. He has cracked 874 runs in 29 innings at an average of 32.37 and a strike rate of 58.15, with two centuries and four fifties.

Gill is the future star for the country across formats, and it will be a great chance for the selectors to get the Punjab-born to his favorite position with Yashasvi Jaiswal.