3 batsmen who can replace Rohit Sharma as opener in test cricket

Rohit Sharma announced his retirement from test cricket on May 7.

Rohit Sharma shocked everyone with his unexpected decision to retire from test cricket. He announced it on May 7 with a social media post and confirmed he will continue to play ODI cricket for India.

That has left the Indian team in disarray as India’s five-match test series against England is just a month away. The Indian selection committee now has to find the ideal replacement for him as a captain.

Not just that, India need to find out who will open in test cricket after Rohit Sharma. Notably, the 38-year-old had great numbers in England the last time India toured. Hence, the management will be looking for a solid batter at the top. So, who could be that player? Here are some potential options that India have.

Three batsmen who can replace Rohit Sharma as opener in test cricket

1. KL Rahul

KL Rahul opened for India in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 and did pretty well. It wasn’t an easy series for the Indian batters, and only six batters from two sides scored over 250 runs. But Rahul looked pretty solid at the top in those bouncy conditions.

Rahul has sound technique, and he has proved it over the years. He did well with Jaiswal at the top, and his experience might give them an edge over other openers. With India sticking with Rishabh Pant as first-choice keeper in tests, Rahul can play purely as an opening batter.

2. Shubman Gill

India have another tried and tested option in Shubman Gill. After Rohit’s test retirement, Gill is among the front-runners for India’s test captaincy. He has already proved in his international career that he has a mature head on his shoulders, and his batting technique is as solid as any.

Gill started as an opener in the test cricket, but later shifted to No. 3 when Yashasvi Jaiswal broke onto the scene. But with Rohit retiring now, Gill can move up to the top to open. This could be a good option as Gill has pretty handy numbers as a test opener.

3. Abhimanyu Easwaran

Another name that can be tossed up with veteran Indian domestic star Abhimanyu Easwaran. The 29-year-old has been named to the Indian test side a number of times but couldn’t make his debut. He is a regular face in India A and has scored the bulk of runs.

Easwaran has played 101 First-Class (FC) games and scored 7674 runs with 27 centuries and 24 half-centuries. After Rohit, the opening slot is vacant, and Easwaran might get a nod for the coming England tour, and he can be a good option at the top.

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