It has been difficult for KL Rahul to make runs recently. Especially in Tests against Bangladesh, he was very poor and this might trigger a bold call from the management. India does have a few options to replace him in the next Test series against Australia. At the same time, the management must plan for the next World Test Championship cycle. Therefore, we can expect some interesting calls to be made in the squad for the Australia series. On that note, here, we take a look at two players who might replace KL Rahul as the opener in Test cricket for the next series.
1) Rohit Sharma
Indian skipper Rohit Sharma was not available for the Test series against Bangladesh. However, India would hope for him to be fit for the all-important series against Australia. With Shubman Gill having done well recently, if KL Rahul misses out, Rohit would be the obvious inclusion at the top.
In Rohit’s case, too, form is a concern. While the player has looked good in Tests, in recent times, across formats, India’s skipper has struggled. India would need him to step up at the earliest. Especially with players like KL Rahul struggling, India would need Rohit to return to his best.
I daresay mention that if Rohit is fit, Rahul may not be an obvious choice in this season's Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
Of course, he may roar back with massive scores in the Ranji Trophy.
— Abhishek Mukherjee (@ovshake42) December 24, 2022
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2) Abhimanyu Easwaran
Abhimanyu Easwaran is one of the players who might replace KL Rahul as the opener in Test cricket for the next series. The West Bengal lad has been doing well in domestic cricket for a long time now. Even when he played for India A, the opener turned up with some good scores.
At 27, it is the right time for Easwaran to take the next step in his career. India would need adequate backup in this department with frequent injuries to players like Rohit Sharma. Hence, Easwaran can play as the opener for India against Australia.
