Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25: 3 players who can replace Rohit Sharma as opener if he misses Perth test

Indian captain Rohit Sharma might miss the Perth test of Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25.

As the cricketing world gears up for the highly anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, news circulating about the potential absence of Indian captain Rohit Sharma has opened the road for discussion.

According to some reports, Rohit might miss the opening test in Perth due to some personal reasons. The absence of the Indian captain will certainly pose a significant challenge for the team, but it also presents an exciting opportunity for a few of the youngsters to cement their place in the side.

A series of this magnitude will not only test the cricketing ability of these players, but also it will evaluate their mental toughness. Here are three players who can open alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal for India in the Perth test.

1. Abhimanyu Easwaran

Abhimanyu Easwaran’s experience and consistency make him a compelling option to step in for Rohit. Having scored over 7,500 First Class (FC) runs with an impressive average of around 50, Easwaran has proven his grit in the domestic circuit. Abhimanyu has been a part of various India A tours of SENA countries, which makes him well acquainted with the foreign conditions.

In the recently concluded Duleep Trophy, Easwaran was the second-highest run-scorer, amassing 309 runs at an average of 77.25, including two centuries. Moreover, in this calendar year, he has scored 921 runs at an average of 76.80. Easwaran’s ability to play long, patient knocks will be invaluable for India in challenging Perth conditions.

Ruturaj Gaikwad

Ruturaj Gaikwad is widely regarded among India’s next big superstars. If the selectors opt for a young and fresh face to replace Rohit Sharma, the Chennai Super Kings captain can find his name on the playing sheet in Perth. Known for his excellent game on fast pitches, Gaikwad has shown that he thrives in bouncy conditions, making him an ideal opener for the Perth Test.

In the recently concluded Duleep Trophy 2024, Gaikwad was the fourth-highest run-scorer with 232 runs. His experience in the Indian Premier League (IPL), where he has faced some of the best international bowlers, including Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood gives him an advantage to start in the Perth test. Gaikwad’s proficiency with pull and hook shots will be particularly useful against Australia’s pace attack, providing India with a reliable option to partner Yashasvi Jaiswal.

Shubman Gill

Shubman Gill, often referred to as the prince of the Indian batting lineup, is another possible option to open the innings. Although Gill has expressed his preference to batting at number 3 in test cricket, his outstanding performance in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2020-21 makes him an exciting option to open. Gill’s innings of 91 in the second innings of the fourth test was one of the key reasons behind India’s success at the Gabba.

With a solid technique and magnificent strokeplay, Gill can fill in the opening slot in Perth. Shubman’s move to the top would mean India can go with KL Rahul as number 3 and Sarfaraz Khan as number 6. Although highly unlikely, this move would mean India can maintain their current combination without making many changes in their XI.

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