3 players who can replace Rohit Sharma as India's Test opener

India's batting stalwart Rohit Sharma announced his retirement from Test cricket on Wednesday, May 7, as he brought the curtains down on an 11-year career in the longest format of the game. Announcing his decision on social media, Rohit confirmed he will continue playing ODIs. His Test retirement comes just over a month before India tours England. With 4301 runs in 67 Tests and 12 centuries, the 38-year-old's Test career was divided into two halves, beginning as a middle-order batter and later taking up the opener position since 2019.

However, his retirement has put Indian selectors with a challenge of finding a stable opening partner for Yashasvi Jaiswal. Since being promoted as an opener, Rohit changed his red-ball game and gave the team solid starts. However, a recent dip in form and age factor reportedly led to the decision. In the last Australia series, India tried out a few options at the top, but with Nagpur-born no more being part of the setup, the selectors will have to pick out some possible options as soon as possible.

Here are three players who can replace Rohit Sharma as India's Test opener:

3. Sai Sudharsan

Tamil Nadu’s B Sai Sudharsan could be a strong contender for India’s Test opener slot. The 23-year-old is currently having a phenomenal run in IPL 2025, as he stands second on the run-scoring charts with 509 runs in 11 matches. However, the southpaw also enjoys an impressive red-ball record. With 1957 runs in 29 First-Class matches at an average of 39.93, including seven centuries and a double ton as an opener, he is best suited for the longer format. 

Former cricketers like MSK Prasad and Ravi Shastri have backed Sudharsan’s inclusion for the upcoming series. Sudharsan’s previous County stint with Surrey also gives him an advantage, as he is well-versed with the foreign conditions. The youngster has already made his international debut in the ODI and T20I, and will be hoping to receive the prestigious Test cap.