Finding a replacement for Rohit Sharma in Test cricket has suddenly become a top priority. After years of holding down the fort at the top of the order, Rohit officially called time on his Test career on May 7th, sharing an Instagram story featuring his Test Cap No. 280. “It’s been an honour to represent my country in whites,” he wrote, confirming he’ll still be around for ODIs.
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I remember presenting you with your Test cap in 2013 at Eden Gardens and then standing with you on the balcony of Wankhede Stadium the other day – your journey has been a remarkable one.
From then to now, you have given your best to Indian cricket as a player and as a captain.… pic.twitter.com/PwoQiKGvUr
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) May 8, 2025
While his retirement seemed sudden, some reports suggest the selectors had already been considering moving on, especially with the England series starting June 20th in Leeds. Rohit leaves behind an 11-year-long red-ball career that includes 4,301 runs in 67 matches at an average of 40.57, with 12 hundreds and 18 fifties.
From teammates to legends, tributes are still pouring in for Rohit Sharma after he announced retirement from Tests 🙌
Check them out 👉 https://t.co/6LO9vHEKmH pic.twitter.com/wk4l8o5wns
— ICC (@ICC) May 8, 2025
So now the big question is: who steps in as the next India Test opener? The team needs a solid option not just for this series, but for the long haul. With names like Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul already in the mix, the hunt for a long-term replacement is heating up. Here are four front-runners to fill the gap:
4 Candidates as Replacement for Rohit Sharma in Test
1. Abhimanyu Easwaran
Abhimanyu Easwaran, who represents Bengal in first-class cricket, is the top choice for selectors as Rohit Sharma’s replacement in Test cricket. The 29-year-old right-handed batter has the potential to become India’s long-term Test opener. The stage is well set for him to showcase his credentials at the highest level, having been in the domestic circuit for more than 11 years since making his first-class debut for Bengal in 2013.
Over the last 2-3 years, his name has frequently come up whenever selectors prepare to choose the Test squad. It isn’t easy to establish oneself in a competitive domestic circuit. He has been consistently selected for the India A squad on numerous occasions but faced stiff competition in breaking into the main Test side.
With a rich legacy in domestic first-class cricket, where he scored 7,674 runs in 101 matches, he was finally called up to the Indian Test squad for the 5-match Test series against Australia, although he did not play in the tour down under. His hunger for long innings and ability to handle challenging conditions make him a strong candidate. In our opinion, he’s a suitable replacement for Rohit Sharma in Test cricket.
2. Sai Sudharsan
A reliable top-order batter, Sai Sudharsan, is among the candidates for the current vacant India Test opener role. With his flamboyant style and determination, he is one of the top contenders to replace Rohit Sharma in Test cricket.
The 23-year-old southpaw from Tamil Nadu has received significant praise from the cricket community and fans for his temperament and ability to excel under pressure. He was fast-tracked into elite-level cricket due to his potential demonstrated in age-group competitions for Tamil Nadu. Sai has played in all formats of domestic cricket, accumulating 5,374 runs in 113 matches.
He was picked by the Gujarat Titans in the 2022 IPL auction and has been a crucial part of the squad, making steady progress each season. His run tally of 145 (2022), 362 (2023), 527 (2024), and 509 (2025) illustrates his calibre. He has also played 3 ODIs for India in an away series against South Africa in late 2023, scoring 127 runs at an average of 63.5, which includes 2 half-centuries. He even played a solitary T20I against Zimbabwe last year but did not get an opportunity to bat.
3. Ruturaj Gaikwad
Though not big in build, Ruturaj Gaikwad is one of the most technically sound Indian batters. He elevated his game significantly after his breakthrough in 2020, representing the Chennai Super Kings in the IPL. Since then, he has continuously scored over 500 runs in three of the next five seasons and was appointed captain of the Chennai Super Kings franchise in 2024.
He first donned the Indian colours back in 2021 in a T20I against Sri Lanka and has represented the country in 23 matches in the format, accumulating 633 runs. He has also played in 6 ODIs, making 115 runs. Currently, he may not be the right replacement for Rohit Sharma in Tests as he is nursing an injury, but he could be a strong candidate for the India Test opener role in the future.
4. Shubman Gill
Shubman Gill, who currently leads the Gujarat Titans in the Indian Premier League, is regarded as a future skipper and potential replacement for Rohit Sharma in Test cricket. While he has not opened since the WTC 2023 Final, Gill, batting at No. 3, is ready to reclaim his opening slot if needed.
His tour down under was less than impressive, managing just 93 runs in 5 innings at an average of 18.6. He was even dropped from the 4th Test, played at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground. His Test career has been marked by highs and lows, with 1,893 runs in 32 matches at an average of 35.05.
The 25-year-old is currently riding high on confidence after finding form in the IPL 2025, accumulating 508 runs in 11 innings at an average of 50.8, which includes 5 half-centuries. With Rohit Sharma’s Test retirement announcement, Shubman Gill, with his exceptional batting and leadership skills, is a strong candidate to lead India in the whites.
Pick Your Opener！
All four players possess immense talent and are well-equipped to step into Rohit Sharma’s shoes as India Test opener. This is our player list for who is the replacement for Rohit Sharma in Test. Who is your pick?
