Although Rohit, in recent years, has only dreamt of playing the ODI World Cup 2027, he might have lost the backing of the BCCI, national selectors and the team management. If the 39-year-old has to retire, Yashasvi Jaiswal is looked at as the first-choice replacement for the veteran batter.
In this article, we will discuss three surprising names who can replace Rohit Sharma as an Indian opener, if not Yashasvi Jaiswal.
3 surprising names to replace Rohit Sharma as opener
Abhishek Sharma
The first name on the list has to be Abhishek Sharma. The explosive left-handed opener is known to demolish bowling attacks upfront, just like Rohit Sharma does. He is one of the first names written on the team sheet while picking India's T20I team. Thus, Abhishek's introduction to the other white-ball setup would be a great choice.
Although he has yet to play his first ODI, the swashbuckling Punjab batter has spectacular List-A numbers: 2196 runs in 68 outings at an average of 33.78 and a strike rate over 100. Additionally, he can contribute as a handy left-arm spinner.
(Abhishek Sharma's stats in T20Is)
Criterion
Stats
Innings
52
Runs
1618
Average
32.36
Strike rate
190.35
50s/100s
11/2
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi made waves after having a ridiculous IPL 2026, where he blasted every bowling attack. The 15-year-old batted in such a way that he even became a nightmare for bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah, Josh Hazlewood, Kagiso Rabada, Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins.
He ended the season with 776 runs with a strike rate of 237.31, which fast-tracked him to the Indian T20I team recently. Although he didn't have the greatest of starts to his international career, the Bihar batter is definitely a future star.
It would be great to see how the selectors and team management move forward with him, but it would be a bold yet progressive call if Sooryavanshi is picked for the ODI setup to replace the outgoing Rohit Sharma.
Devdutt Padikkal
The way Devdutt Padikkal is playing in the recent few seasons of the Vijay Hazare Trophy, scoring nearly 1500 runs in just the last three seasons. During the 2024/25 edition, where Karnataka lifted the silverware, DDP was one of their main men. And what can one say about his Bradman-esque List-A average of 82.23.
(Devdutt Padikkal's stats in List-A cricket)
Criterion
Stats
Innings
41
Runs
2796
Average
82.23
Strike rate
92.61
50s/100s
14/13
Subsequently, the left-handed top-order batter has been performing well for RCB since returning to the franchise. Although DDP is more of a number-three batter, he enjoys strong backing from the current team management, as he is part of the Test setup.
Padikkal has already made his debut in Tests and T20Is, but it remains to be seen how he goes about his business in the 50-over format. Moreover, he is blessed with a watertight technique that counters Abhishek and Vaibhav, which may strengthen his case for ODIs.
Rohit Sharma with Yashasvi Jaiswal | PC- AFP
