Rohit Sharma will miss the three-match Test series against South Africa due to a left hamstring injury. There is a possibility that he might miss the ODI series as well. Since he was appointed as captain of the ODI squad, it will be a big blow for Team India. In this article, we take a look at 3 players who could replace Rohit Sharma if he is not available for the ODI series against South Africa.
1) Ruturaj Gaikwad
Ruturaj Gaikwad is one of the players who could replace Rohit Sharma if he is not available for the ODI series against South Africa. Irrespective of Rohit missing or not, Rutu’s place is almost confirmed. However, if India’s opener misses out, Ruturaj is likely to get a spot in the playing XI also.
Ever since he won the Orange Cap in IPL 2021, the Maharashtra opener has been in top form. While he was good in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, he has set the Vijay Hazare Trophy on fire with four centuries in five games. Since he is good against both the spinners and the pacers, he might also be tried out in the middle-order.
2) Prithvi Shaw
Prithvi Shaw‘s career with Team India seems uncertain at the moment. He falls into the category of “generational talent” and India would not want it to go unused. Especially with the 2023 World Cup to be held in India, if he does well, Prithvi could still get a chance.
All of it depends on how the team would make use of KL Rahul. If Rahul moves away from the middle-order, it is unlikely that Shaw will get many chances. If Rohit Sharma misses out, at least Shaw could get a chance as a reserve opener.
3) KS Bharat
KS Bharat has struck 370 runs in five games at the Vijay Hazare Trophy. This record also includes two big hundreds. The Andhra Pradesh skipper is a top-order batsman and depending on the other options, he could get a chance.
Bharat appears to be a player who can anchor an innings very well. He has also shown that he can be good against the spinners. Hence, Team India might ponder about trying him in the XI. Bharat is also a good wicket-keeper and this will be a bonus for the management.
