Rohit Sharma To Miss 4th Test Due To Injury? 3 Players Who Can Replace Him

Probuddha Bhattacharjee

Rohit Sharma [Source: AP Photos]Rohit Sharma [Source: AP Photos]

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India and Australia are taking on each other in an intense battle in the Border Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. The series stands at 1-1 after the first three games and the next two matches are of utmost importance when it comes to series and also a spot in the final of the WTC.

As the two teams gear up for the final two Tests, there is an injury concern the Indian team might have to tend to. In a recent video of the practice session from MCG, the Indian skipper, Rohit Sharma was seen injuring his left knee while taking throwdowns from the specialist Daya. 

Although, the injury did not seem too concerning and it was immediately tended to there are chances that it could aggravate and the Indian captain might miss the 4th Test. If things turn out this way, here are three possible replacements of Rohit Sharma for the Boxing Day Test that India will think of - 

3. Dhruv Jurel

As Rohit Sharma demoted himself to the middle order for the Border Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, India will be looking at player who can bat in the middle-order for them. Dhruv Jurel could be a player India might turn to for the Boxing Day Test.

Dhruv Jurel Playing Test for India [Source: @CricCrazyJohns/x.com]Dhruv Jurel Playing Test for India [Source: @CricCrazyJohns/x.com]

The young Indian wicketkeeper batter made his Test debut earlier this year in the home series against England. He showed a lot of promise and temperament during the series. Jurel scored 202 runs in the six innings that he batted at an average of 40.40 with a fifty. Jurel's half-century grabbed the attention of the cricket fans as it came under pressure and is a testament of the attitude this young batter carries. 

2. Devdutt Padikkal

The young left-handed batter is known for his technique and consistecny in the domestic circuit. Even though his career at the international stage has not taken off yet, Devdutt Padikkal could be a valuable inclusion into the playing XI if Rohit Sharma gets injured.

Devdutt Padikkal during his maiden Test half-century [Source: @thecric_crack/x.com]Devdutt Padikkal during his maiden Test half-century [Source: @thecric_crack/x.com]

Notably, Padikkal was a part of the playing unit during the first Test of the series and batted at number three. The left handed batter even tried to battle it out during the second innings of the match. Besides the promies that Padikkal has shown so far, the fact that his presence will add one more left hander in the Indian line-up might also work in favour of the visitors. 

1. Sarfaraz Khan

One of the predicted future superstars of Indian batting, Sarfaraz Khan is yet to get a go in the Border Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. He has made a decent start to his Test career and has scored 371 runs in 6 Test matches at an average of 37.10 with one century and three half-centuries. 

Sarfaraz Khan during his maiden Test Century [Source: @cricketchamber/x.com]Sarfaraz Khan during his maiden Test Century [Source: @cricketchamber/x.com]

So far, Sarfaraz Khan has played only on Indian soil. There were a lot of talks about his technique not being ideal for Australian conditions ahead of the series and as a result he has not yet made his way into the playing XI. However, the right-handed batter has given a proof his attitude and temeperament in the domestic circuit and with his aggressive attitude he can be a positive influence to the team. 

All these scenarios will come into play, if and when Rohit Sharma is declared unfit for the fourth Test. For now, there is a not a huge concern regarding his injury and no such update as to he will be missing the next match.