India after a horrifying home test series defeat against New Zealand will be travelling to Australia. The Border-Gavaskar Trophy is scheduled to take place from 22nd November 2024. This home defeat not only meant that India’s 18-match home series winning streak came to an end. It is India’s first whitewash in a home Test series since losing to South Africa in 2000. The Men in Blue needs to work well before the tour.
The form of the team’s captain Rohit Sharma has been under question. His approach of playing aggressively in the traditional format has been under huge controversy. In the last six innings, Rohit has scored 96 runs for the side with only one fifty in that. This might be the last chance for the opener to prove his worth in the testing Australian conditions against the likes of Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazelwood, and Pat Cummins.
However, there have been reports that the Indian captain will be missing out on the first test due to family reasons. There is no official confirmation yet but the news has been circulating for some time now. India will be looking for an opener who can replace Rohit at the top order in the first test. In the article, we dive into the possible batters who can replace the captain.
Here are 3 batters who can replace Rohit Sharma in the 1st Test
3. Ruturaj Gaikwad
The Mumbai-born batter has been leading the India A side. But he has not been included in the squad for the forthcoming BGT trophy. Ruturaj Gaikwad has been in good form in the domestic format, thus there was controversy over not picking him for the test side. However, he has the chance to replace Rohit Sharma in the 1st Test and open the batting for India.
2. KL Rahul
Rahul will be one of the favourites to replace Rohit Sharma in the side. The Karnataka-based opener has been the tried and tested batter for India in every position. He has lived up to the expectations. Due to his poor form at home against the Kiwis, he was dropped. But in Australia, his experience might be the one needed in the absence of Rohit at the top order.
1. Abhimanyu Easwaran
The Bengal opener has been scoring heavily in the last few years. The 29-year-old in 100 FC matches has scored over 7600 runs, at an average of 50. The lad has five tons in his last seven matches, including one in Irani Trophy as well. He might be the choice first ahead of any other batter to open the innings for India in the 1st Test with the quality he possesses.
