Rohit Sharma’s absence will be a big blow for Team India in the T20I squad. While there are youngsters who can fill the role, with Virat Kohli also having retired, there might be a need for some experience at the top of the order. On that note, here, we take a look at the list of three sidelined cricketers whom Team India can consider as Rohit Sharma‘s replacement in T20Is.
1) KL Rahul
KL Rahul is currently not in the fray to be a part of the T20I setup. He was not included in the 2024 T20 World Cup squad and even before that, he was not in the T20I team leading up to the World Cup.
That said, KL is a class player and the management must consider giving him another chance. His experience at the top of the order can be a good guide for the youngsters.
2) Rahul Tripathi
Rahul Tripathi is one of the sidelined cricketers whom Team India can consider as Rohit Sharma’s replacement in T20Is. Even in the last game he played for India, Rahul made a good contribution. However, he could not cement his place in the side after the seniors returned.
In IPL 2024, towards the end of the tournament, he was in top form. Rahul is a selfless cricketer and he has good skills against both pace and spin. Therefore, he would be an option worth considering for the management.
3) Ishan Kishan
It would be harsh to give up on Ishan Kishan so early. In the short T20I career that he has had, he has actually been decent with his performances.
Now, with Rohit absent, India could consider his Mumbai Indians teammate to be a part of the squad again. Ishan already has sufficient experience and this would help him. Also, for the likes of Abhishek Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal, he would be the ideal competition to face for a spot as an opener in the Indian T20I squad.
