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With Ravichandran Ashwin’s sudden retirement following the third Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, speculations are rife about the future of other stalwarts like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. Both batters have struggled on the current Australia tour, with Kohli averaging 25.07 in Tests this year and Rohit managing a paltry 6+ across three innings.
If these legendary players were to step aside from Test cricket, here’s a glimpse of how India’s Test XI might shape up in their absence.
Table of content
Openers: Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul
- Yashasvi Jaiswal has already established himself as a dynamic and fearless opener with stellar performances, including a remarkable showing in Perth.
- KL Rahul, with his stoic technique and experience, complements Jaiswal, forming a balanced opening pair. Rohit Sharma himself backed this duo, opting to bat at No. 6 upon his return in Adelaide.
Middle Order: Sudharsan, Gill, Pant, and Jurel
- Shubman Gill, while currently at No. 3, could slot into the No. 4 position due to his technical adaptability and flair.
- B Sai Sudharsan, a rising star in domestic cricket, could take the crucial No. 3 spot, thanks to his grit and ability to anchor innings under pressure.
- Rishabh Pant remains a lock at No. 5, continuing his game-changing role as a middle-order aggressor.
- Dhruv Jurel, known for his temperament, could occupy No. 6, though Sarfaraz Khan is another strong contender, especially on home turf.
Also Check: Why Ashwin Retired Before Breaking Anil Kumble’s Record of 619 Test Wickets for India
All-Rounders: Nitish Kumar Reddy, Jadeja, and Sundar
- Nitish Kumar Reddy has emerged as a star during this series, offering a seam-bowling all-round option, particularly valuable in overseas conditions.
- Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar would lead India’s spin department post-Ashwin’s retirement, providing stability and batting depth. For home Tests, spinners like Tanush Kotian or Manav Suthar could be brought into the mix.
Pace Attack: Bumrah, Siraj, and Akash Deep
- Jasprit Bumrah, India’s pace spearhead, will continue to lead the attack alongside the ever-reliable Mohammed Siraj.
- Akash Deep, who has shown promise, could solidify his spot as the third pacer. Reserve options include Prasidh Krishna, Mukesh Kumar, and Harshit Rana, offering depth and flexibility.
India’s Probable Playing XI If Kohli and Rohit Retire
- Yashasvi Jaiswal
- KL Rahul
- B Sai Sudharsan
- Shubman Gill
- Rishabh Pant (WK)
- Dhruv Jurel / Sarfaraz Khan
- Nitish Kumar Reddy / Ravindra Jadeja
- Washington Sundar
- Jasprit Bumrah
- Akash Deep
- Mohammed Siraj
Reserve Players
- Sarfaraz Khan
- Prasidh Krishna
- Mukesh Kumar
- Harshit Rana
This lineup reflects India’s wealth of young talent ready to step up and fill the void left by legends like Kohli and Rohit, ensuring the team remains competitive in Test cricket’s challenging arenas.
