3 Players who can replace Rohit Sharma at the top if he announces his retirement after the SCG Test

By Karan Rawat January 3, 2025 6:27 PM UTC

The fifth and final test between India and Australia started on Friday at the Sydney Cricket Ground. The first day has completed, but the biggest story is the Indian captain, Rohit Sharma. The 37-year-old opted to sit out for the final test, and Jasprit Bumrah led in his absence.

His decision has raised concerns over his future in the Indian test team as he is also going through a very bad phase with the bat. However, according to some media reports, Rohit has played his last test for India at the MCG and might not return in white. The report from Indian Express indicates that selectors are looking beyond Rohit in test cricket.

There are chances that the Indian captain might announce his retirement after the ongoing SCG test. If it happens, India need someone to bat at the top or replace him. Here we will talk about three possible replacements for Rohit Sharma in tests.

Three Players who can replace Rohit Sharma in whites if he retires after the SCG test

1. Shubman Gill

Shubman Gill started as an opener in tests but shifted to no. 3 after India dropped Cheteshwar Pujara. But his numbers at no. 3 haven't done justice to his decision. India might need someone solid at the top, and Gill presents that technique. He can shift to the top of the order if Rohit retires from tests. He will give India a right-hand and left-hand option at the top with Yashasvi Jaiswal.

2. Abhimanyu Easwaran

Just like many Indian stars, Abhimanyu Easwaran is another name that has been knocking on the door of the Indian test side for the last couple of years now. He has been included in the squad many times but is still looking to get his maiden cap. He is a prolific scorer at the domestic level and is a gifted top-order batter. If given a chance, he can be a solid top-order batter. India can groom him into a good option to replace Rohit Sharma.

3. Nitish Kumar Reddy

This could be an out-of-the-box choice, but Nitish Kumar Reddy has certainly shown great composure for India in the ongoing BGT series. He has scored 294 runs at an average of 42 and is the third highest scorer in the series. He has shown that he has good technique to handle the bounce and pace. Currently, Reddy batting at no. 8 is not ideal for a talented batter like him. Just like Sam Konstas for Australia, he can be a fearless top-order batter if given a chance.

Google News