Indian cricket is in the process of transition, with experienced opener Rohit Sharma having announced his retirement from Test cricket. His exit creates a huge void at the top of the order, particularly with a high-stakes five-match Test series against England beginning on June 20. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is going all out to find the perfect Rohit Sharma replacement in the red-ball game.
Sai Sudharsan Emerges as Frontrunner for Opener Position
Of the contenders, Sai Sudharsan is generating a strong case for himself to open the innings in Rohit’s absence. The 23-year-old left-handed opener has handled himself as well as possible in recent Selectors’ eyes in both domestic and international forms of the game.
Sudharsan made his white-ball debut for India in 2023 and has been in outstanding touch this current IPL 2025 season, with 509 runs from 11 innings for Gujarat Titans at a point before play was suspended and delayed due to geopolitical unrest.
Breathtaking Domestic Record Boosts Sudharsan’s Credentials
Though Sudharsan missed out on most of the Ranji Trophy 2024-25 season, he still impressed with a breathtaking average of 76 from the three games that he did play. His best performance was a double hundred against Delhi, and it showed his temperament and ability in the longer game.
Earlier, the left-hander was a part of the India A team in 2024, where he had scored a century against Australia A. Although he was left out at that point in favor of Devdutt Padikkal, the situation has changed with Rohit’s retirement and the space for Sudharsan to make a breakthrough.
International Experience in Conditions in England an Edge
What distinguishes Sai Sudharsan from fellow candidates like Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sarfaraz Khan, and Nitish Kumar Reddy is his experience playing in England. Sudharsan played two seasons in Kent in the County Championship; therefore, he has a good understanding of English pitches and weather conditions, which could be crucial for an away series.
BCCI’s Perspective: Why Sudharsan is the Ideal Rohit Sharma Replacement
According to reports by PTI, the BCCI has had a close watch on Sudharsan and had even made him a contingency opener for Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal in some of the Test teams in the past. Today, with the departure of Rohit from Tests, Sudharsan figures as one of the top bets to fill Rohit Sharma’s spot at the top of the order.
Though seasoned players such as Shubman Gill and KL Rahul are also in the running, Sudharsan’s current form, vigor, and exposure to English conditions might swing the pendulum in his direction. Even if not as an opener, the selectors might still consider placing him at No. 3 to bring his talent into the team.
Read More
ALSO READ: India Women vs Sri Lanka Women: Record Winning Title For India In Tri-Series
