5 Players who can replace Rohit Sharma as Test opener

Rohit Sharma’s announcement of retirement from Test cricket shocked everyone. All Team India fans were expecting him to lead India in the England Tests and score heavily as an opener. Now, India has a big hole at the top of the order due to Rohit Sharma's departure.

Rohit contributed grace, endurance, and vital runs as an opener. Replacing someone of his caliber requires careful selection from a pool of technically sound and temperamentally stable players. India has a rich bench of batting talent, and several names have emerged as strong contenders for the role.

Let’s look at five players who could fill the void left by Rohit at the top.

Here are the 5 players who can replace Rohit Sharma as Test opener:

1. Shubman Gill

While Shubman Gill has opted to bat at No. 3 after India moved on from Cheteshwar Pujara, opening the innings is his forte. He made his Test debut as an opener and possesses a solid technique that allows him to counter both pace and spin effectively. He is already a key player across formats for India.

Playing in Australia, England, and other challenging environments has given Gill valuable experience with various pitch conditions. He can adapt his tactics as necessary, thanks to his aggressive mindset and defensive resilience.

2. Abhimanyu Easwaran

With his steady performances in domestic and India A matches, Abhimanyu Easwaran has been knocking on the doors of Test cricket for years. He is a perfect fit to open in the longest format because of his patience, solid technique, and ability to leave deliveries.

He is the quintessential Test opener — a patient and tough right-hander. He has a reputation for playing long innings and converting starts. Despite his lack of flair, his ability to handle quality bowling and absorb pressure makes him valuable. Easwaran deserves a chance, having waited in the wings for years.

3. Sai Sudharsan

In first-class cricket, Sai Sudharsan has made a respectable contribution with 1,957 runs in 49 innings at an average of around 40, including seven hundreds and five fifties. His poise and technique have been impressive. He bats long due to his temperament, plays the short ball well, and has a strong front-foot game — his composure at the crease reflects the poise required for Test cricket.

He has demonstrated the ability to gradually build innings in domestic red-ball cricket. As a left-hander, he complements more aggressive partners and adds variety at the top. Sudharsan is a serious long-term contender for India's Test opening position due to his hunger for runs and maturity beyond his years.

4. Ruturaj Gaikwad

Ruturaj Gaikwad is a great fit for red-ball cricket thanks to his classical technique and composed temperament. Although he hasn't yet made a mark in Test cricket, he has consistently delivered strong performances in domestic games.

Given his mindset and ability to stay calm under pressure, he has the potential to develop into a dependable opener in the red-ball format. He could become a solid long-term choice if given the opportunity.

5. KL Rahul

KL Rahul has demonstrated his adaptability by opening in challenging international conditions and brings a wealth of Test experience. His shot selection and defensive technique help him handle swing bowling effectively. His leadership background also adds value to India’s batting order — he recently opened in the Perth Test against Australia, stepping in for an absent Rohit Sharma.

He is a reliable choice due to his skill against pace and ability to leave the ball well. Rahul's temperament allows him to play long innings and adapt to different match situations. While he has played in the middle order, his natural flair suits the opening role.

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