After Rohit’s Exit, Who Will Anchor India’s Top Order Now?

The cricketing world has been rife with one major question: Who will replace Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in the India Test Squad? Two icons have moved on from the longest format of the game and left sizable holes in the batting lineup ahead of a consequential tour to England. It is a difficult task to replace their pedigree, however, the selectors are positive that they have identified exciting answers in the new squad. So, who are the new contenders in this batting line-up? 

1. Sai Sudharsan: The New Opening Hope

India’s Search for Stability After Rohit Sharma’s Exit: Meet the New Opening Hope. Rohit was India’s stalwart at the No. 1 position, having amassed nearly 2,700 Test runs with an average of over 42. He could give India solid starts that allowed them to develop their innings successfully in tough conditions. As such, another young left-handed batter has found his way into the picture – Sai Sudharsan.

With 638 runs and a sizzling strike rate of 155.99, Sudharsan made IPL 2025 his highlight reel. But don’t just pigeonhole him into a T20 batter – Sudharsan has shown in first-class cricket that it’s not just a flash in the pan, having averaged 76 in this year’s Ranji Trophy and has a first-class average of close to 40, good enough for a 24-year-old.

The biggest challenge for Sudharsan will be taking that aggressive nature and changing it into that type of patience, doggedness, and determination that Test cricket requires – especially in England, where the air stays heavy with dew and the ball keeps swinging throughout the day. However, with Yashasvi Jaiswal already in one of the openers’ slots, India could field a left-right batting combination to tackle the Dukes ball effectively. 

2. Karun Nair: A Familiar Face Back at No. 4

Finding a substitute for Virat Kohli at No. 4 is a tougher problem. Kohli was not just a batsman, been he was the centre of India’s innings, and with over 7,500 Test runs at just under an average of 50, this is a huge space to fill. The selectors have gone with Karun Nair. Nair is a plausible retainer who has been superbly skilled in the past and has a point to make.

Do you remember Nair? He made headlines in 2016 when he was the incredible triple centurion for India against England before vanishing from Test cricket. Now, after dominating the domestic scene again, he is back in the mix. He has had an impressive season so far in the 2024-25 season of the Ranji Trophy, which continued the same way as he left off, scoring 863 runs, averaging just below 54 and considering his one-day form is probably better, he had an average of 389.50 in the Vijay Hazare Trophy which is an impressive average to note as well at the start of a season.

3. The Bigger Picture: India’s Transition Phase

Replacing legends such as Kohli and Rohit isn’t just about individual players — it is also about a new era for Indian Test cricket. Along with Ashwin’s retirement, this squad is a representation of the evolution of new players blended with experienced heads like KL Rahul.

England is the perfect test of this. The many swinging wickets and cold weather can offer mental and tactical challenges to even experienced players, making it the ideal tour that can show whether the new cohort has the mental strength and technique, or if this squad will still be making changes.

The selectors have made some big calls, and fans will be eagerly awaiting to see if India can emerge successful with the new players. Success in England could show that India is ready to move away from past players who aren’t there, to establish a team that can compete consistently.

Disclaimer: This Exclusive News is based on the author’s understanding, analysis, and instinct. As you review this information, consider the points mentioned and form your own conclusions.

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