Rohit Sharma To Replace KL Rahul At Top? India Captain Has 3 Reasons To Promote Himself

Rohit Sharma against Australia [Source: AP]

Rohit Sharma has been under the spotlight for his underwhelming performance in the longest format of cricket lately. While his form in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024/25 wasn’t too good, his struggles have been evident since the home series against Bangladesh. Since then, he has scored only 142 runs at a disappointing average of 11.82.

Even in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Rohit missed the first Test due to the birth of his son. When he returned, he gave up his usual opening spot to bat in the middle order, where he started his Test career. 

Unfortunately, this didn’t work out for him—he scored just nine runs in the second Test in Adelaide, where India suffered a heavy ten-wicket defeat. Despite two centuries and two fifties in 2024, his inconsistency has been a concern for team India.

Although his abysmal form demands his exclusion, Rohit won't be dropped from the team as he is the Test captain. 

So, as Rohit isn’t going anywhere, here are three reasons why his promotion to the top order will be more beneficial from India's perspective. 

1. Rohit Sharma is a Natural Opener

Rohit wasn’t always an opener, but when he started opening in 2019, it was a game-changer. He looked like he was born to open, performing far better there than in the middle order.

In the 64 innings where he has opened, the right handed batter has scored 2,685 runs at an average of 44.02, including 9 centuries and 8 fifties. His ability to convert starts into big scores (a conversion rate of 53%) makes him a perfect fit at the top.

Rohit Sharma's Stats As An Opener

2. KL Rahul Brings More Flexibility Than Rohit, The Middle Order Batter

KL Rahul, India's experienced batter, is more versatile compared to captain Rohit Sharma. The-32-year-old has recent experience of batting in the middle order and has performed well there. He has the technique and temperament to handle the second new ball. This flexibility makes him a better candidate to move down the order while Rohit resumes his natural opening role. 

3. Rohit Sharma and Jaiswal Are a Proven Pair

While KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal did well in the first Test in Perth with a 201-run partnership, Rohit and Jaiswal have already built an impressive track record as an opening pair.

Together, they’ve scored 1,236 runs in 26 innings with a highest partnership of 229. This makes them the 6th most successful opening pair in Indian Test history. Their chemistry at the top could provide stability against Australia’s bowling attack.

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