Top Contenders to Replace Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in Test Cricket

Indian cricket is at a turning point. In the space of just one week, two of its biggest stars — Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli — walked away from Test cricket. Together, they have scored over 13,500 runs in 190 matches, leading the team with both their bats and their leadership. Their absence leaves a massive gap — not just in runs, but in experience, stability, and presence in the dressing room.

But as tough as this moment is, it’s also the start of something new. The BCCI now has the task of naming a new Test captain, someone who can carry the team into its next era. We’ll know who that is by May 24, but in the meantime, the focus also shifts to who might step up to fill the batting slots left vacant by Rohit and Kohli.

Who Could Replace Rohit Sharma? Top Contenders to Watch

Abhimanyu Easwaran

One name that keeps coming up is Abhimanyu Easwaran. If you follow domestic cricket, you will know he’s not new to the scene. He’s been one of the most consistent performers in India’s first-class circuit, scoring 7,674 runs in 101 matches — solid, dependable numbers that show he’s built for the long game.

At 29, Easwaran has been knocking on the door of the Test team for a while. He’s traveled with the squad as a reserve, captained India A, and played crucial innings against quality opposition. Yet, the debut call-up has remained just out of reach.

Now, with Rohit retiring, this might finally be his time. He’s got the technique, the patience, and the temperament that Test cricket demands. If given a chance, he could be exactly what India needs at the top of the order.

He’s also likely to lead the India A team on their upcoming tour of England — a sign that the selectors still see him as part of the red-ball future. And who knows, this could be the tour that finally pushes him into the main squad.

KL Rahul

KL Rahul is widely seen as the frontrunner to replace Rohit Sharma at the top of the order. The right-handed batter has shown great versatility throughout his career but has been most consistent as an opener, having started 83 of his 101 Test innings in that role.

He most recently stepped in as an opener during the tour of Australia when Rohit was unavailable, and his experience in tough overseas conditions gives him a clear edge over someone like Abhimanyu Easwaran. Rahul has scored 2,803 runs as an opener at an average of 35.03, with seven of his eight Test centuries coming while opening the innings.

That proven track record makes him a strong candidate to take on the responsibility once again.

Sai Sudharsan

Sai Sudharsan has quickly emerged as one of the most promising young talents in Indian cricket. After lighting up IPL 2025 with his performances for Gujarat Titans, he's now knocking on the door of India's Test team.

At just 23, Sudharsan has already built an impressive first-class record — 1,957 runs in 29 matches at an average of nearly 40, including seven centuries. Notably, one of those hundreds came while playing for Surrey in the County Championship, where he scored 281 runs across eight innings. That experience in English conditions could prove valuable, especially with India set to tour England for a Test series.

Despite his strong case, breaking into the Test XI won’t be easy. With Yashasvi Jaiswal firmly established as an opener, it’s unlikely Sudharsan will replace Rohit Sharma — India may be hesitant to open with two left-handers. Still, his form and adaptability make him a player to watch closely in the near future.

Who Could Replace Virat Kohli? Top Contenders to Watch

While finding a successor to Rohit Sharma might seem relatively straightforward, replacing Virat Kohli at No. 4 is a far more complex challenge. Kohli has owned that spot in India’s batting lineup for over a decade, delivering consistently at the highest level. Now, with his era nearing its end, the team isn’t just looking for a temporary fix—they need someone who can anchor the position for the long haul.

Shubman Gill

Shubman Gill is quickly emerging as a potential leader for India's Test team and could soon be viewed as the long-term No. 4 batter. Although he began his Test career as an opener, he has seamlessly transitioned to the No. 3 spot. In his 30 innings at No. 3, Gill has scored 1,019 runs, averaging over 37. If Gill does shift down the order to No. 4, it will require India to find a suitable No. 3 batter. This opens the door for Sai Sudharsan, who could slot into the No. 3 position, with Jaiswal and Rahul continuing as the openers.

KL Rahul

KL Rahul, with 58 Test caps, is now India's most experienced batter. No. 4 is a crucial position in Test cricket, and ideally, India would want Rahul to fill that role. However, if Rahul moves to No. 4, it could leave the top order fragile, as an uncapped player like Easwaran or Sudharsan would have to open with Jaiswal. Despite this, Rahul’s experience makes him a key contender for the No. 4 spot in the middle order.

Shreyas Iyer

Shreyas Iyer is another strong candidate for No. 4. A dynamic middle-order batter, Iyer has performed exceptionally well in home conditions but has yet to be fully tested in overseas conditions, especially in SENA countries (South Africa, England, New Zealand, and Australia). Therefore, while he has a promising future, it might be premature for India to name him as Virat Kohli's permanent replacement at No. 4 just yet.

Sarfaraz Khan

Sarfaraz Khan, a domestic cricket standout, has made a strong impression since his India debut in 2024. Although he has only played six Tests so far, his hunger for runs and ability to score big in the longer format makes him a valuable option for the No. 4 position. He could also serve as a solid backup in this spot.

Honourable Mentions – Rajat Patidar and Devdutt Padikkal

While not immediate contenders for the No. 4 spot, Rajat Patidar and Devdutt Padikkal are names to keep in mind. Padikkal has featured in a couple of Tests, including one in Perth in 2024, and has shown promise. Patidar has also had brief stints with India, playing three home Tests against England. These players might not be the first choices for No. 4 but could certainly fill middle-order spots at No. 5 or 6, especially during this transition phase for India.

Overall, with several talented options in the mix, India has a range of possibilities for reshaping their middle-order in the near future.

Cover Credits - BCCI Official