Rohit-Sharma. (Photo source: X)
India’s batting stalwart Rohit Sharma announced his retirement from Test cricket on Wednesday, May 7, as he brought the curtains down on an 11-year career in the longest format of the game. Announcing his decision on social media, Rohit confirmed he will continue playing ODIs. His Test retirement comes just over a month before India tours England. With 4301 runs in 67 Tests and 12 centuries, the 38-year-old’s Test career was divided into two halves, beginning as a middle-order batter and later taking up the opener position since 2019.
However, his retirement has put Indian selectors with a challenge of finding a stable opening partner for Yashasvi Jaiswal. Since being promoted as an opener, Rohit changed his red-ball game and gave the team solid starts. However, a recent dip in form and age factor reportedly led to the decision. In the last Australia series, India tried out a few options at the top, but with Nagpur-born no more being part of the setup, the selectors will have to pick out some possible options as soon as possible.
Here are three players who can replace Rohit Sharma as India’s Test opener:
3. Sai Sudharsan
Tamil Nadu’s B Sai Sudharsan could be a strong contender for India’s Test opener slot. The 23-year-old is currently having a phenomenal run in IPL 2025, as he stands second on the run-scoring charts with 509 runs in 11 matches. However, the southpaw also enjoys an impressive red-ball record. With 1957 runs in 29 First-Class matches at an average of 39.93, including seven centuries and a double ton as an opener, he is best suited for the longer format.
Former cricketers like MSK Prasad and Ravi Shastri have backed Sudharsan’s inclusion for the upcoming series. Sudharsan’s previous County stint with Surrey also gives him an advantage, as he is well-versed with the foreign conditions. The youngster has already made his international debut in the ODI and T20I, and will be hoping to receive the prestigious Test cap.
2. KL Rahul
Star Indian batter, KL Rahul, has opened in 83 innings and scored 2803 runs at an average of 35.03 with seven centuries, and could be a suitable replacement at the top. Notably, Rahul’s best performances have consistently come at the top. His recent heroics during the Australia tour prompted many ex-cricketers and fans to bank on him for the opening position.
With Rohit unavailable initially for the series, Rahul returned to open the innings and scored 276 runs in the series, including a 77 in the Perth Test and a match-saving 84 in Brisbane. Since 2021, he has scored 930 runs in SENA countries. With 58 Tests and 3257 runs under his belt, Rahul has the experience to play at the top and tackle the new ball.
1. Abhimanyu Easwaran
Abhimanyu Easwaran is another name that has been doing rounds in the cricketing circles. The 29-year-old is a regular member of the India A team and has been in and out of the senior Test squad. Notably, he was in the squad for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy but could not get a game due to the team’s balance. As an opener, Easwaran has scored an impressive 7674 runs in more than 101 games, with 27 tons and 29 fifties.
The Uttar Pradesh-born could be considered for the role as he has vast experience playing in this position and can be important in giving the side crucial starts and go on to make big runs at will. Interestingly, the right-hand batter is the front-runner to open the innings for India A against England A.
Disclaimer: This latest 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.
