Rohit Sharma is the captain of the Indian team in Test cricket and ODIs right now. While he has done a fine job in white-ball cricket ever since he became the skipper, Sharma has not been at his best as captain in Tests, specifically in the last few matches that the Indian team has played.
The fact that Sharma had to demote himself from the opener’s position to the number six slot to get into the playing XI for the pink-ball Test against Australia shows that the team management has to go out of their way to include the captain. Sharma deserves a happy ending to his Test career, and he should get the right to retire on his terms.
However, that time should come soon as well. Here are three players who the Indian team can groom to replace Rohit Sharma in Test cricket.
1. Tanmay Agarwal can be groomed to replace Rohit Sharma
Tanmay Agarwal is an uncapped opening batter, who is currently the highest run-scorer in the 2024/25 edition of Ranji Trophy. Playing for Hyderabad, Agarwal has scored 615 runs in nine innings. His average is 68.33, while he has two centuries and two half-centuries to his name. A player like him can be an asset for India at the top of the order.
2. Ruturaj Gaikwad
Ruturaj Gaikwad has received chances to play for India in the white-ball formats, but he is yet to make it to the Test playing XI. Fans should note that Gaikwad has been a part of the Test squad. However, the maiden Test cap awaits for Gaikwad. Perhaps, when Sharma bids adieu to the Indian Test team, Gaikwad can take his place as the opener.
3. Ishan Kishan
Left-handed wicketkeeper batter Ishan Kishan is one of the most promising rising stars in Indian cricket. A dispute with the board derailed his career in 2023, but Kishan is too talented to be kept out of the Indian team. Like Rohit, Ishan has a double hundred in ODIs to his name. Ishan can bat aggressively like Rohit if needed.
