The Indian cricket team has been blessed with exceptional talent in recent years, and it is only a matter of time before the baton is passed on to the next generation. As senior players like Rohit Sharma approach the twilight of their careers, there are several young cricketers who have shown immense potential and could potentially step into his shoes in the future. In this article, let’s take a closer look at five promising young players who have the potential to replace Rohit Sharma.
1) Shubman Gill
With an impressive record across formats, Shubman Gill has already shown glimpses of his prodigious talent. In Test cricket, Gill has scored 890 runs at an average of 34.2, including two centuries. In ODIs, he has amassed 1311 runs at an outstanding average of 65.5, with four centuries to his name, including a double century. Gill’s recent T20I performances have also been noteworthy, with a strike rate of 165.6. Additionally, his consistent performances in the Indian Premier League (IPL) make him a strong contender for the future. He is the second leading run scorer in IPL 2023 season and has amassed 722 runs including 2 back-to-back centuries.
2) Ishan Kishan
A flamboyant left-handed batter, Ishan Kishan has made heads turn with his explosive stroke play. In ODIs, he has already notched up 510 runs, including a breathtaking double century. His T20I record is equally impressive, with 653 runs and four half-centuries. Kishan’s ability to take on the best bowlers and his fearless approach make him a formidable candidate for the future. His performances in the IPL have further highlighted his immense talent where he has amassed 2309 runs in just 89 matches.
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3) Yashasvi Jaiswal
Yashasvi Jaiswal came onto the scene with his phenomenal performances in the Under-19 World Cup. While he is yet to make his mark in international cricket, his exploits in the IPL cannot be ignored. Jaiswal has scored 1172 runs at an average of 32.5 in the IPL, including a brilliant century. His ability to construct innings and play match-winning knocks make him a promising prospect for the future and has got every damn reason to replace Rohit Sharma.
4) Ruturaj Gaikwad
Ruturaj Gaikwad has been making steady progress and has shown glimpses of his talent in limited opportunities. In the IPL, he has showcased his abilities as an opening batsman, scoring 1771 runs at an average of 39.4. Gaikwad’s calmness at the crease, coupled with his elegant stroke play, makes him a player to watch out for in the coming years. He is one of the most matured batter on this list.
5) Tilak Varma
A young and exciting talent, Tilak Varma has made waves with his performances in domestic cricket and the IPL. Although he is yet to make his international debut, his exploits in the IPL cannot be overlooked. Varma has scored 671 runs at an average of 39.5 in the tournament, with an impressive strike rate of 141.0. His ability to score quickly and his temperament under pressure make him a player with tremendous potential.
As the Indian cricket team looks to the future, the prospect of finding suitable replacements for seasoned players like Rohit Sharma becomes crucial. With young talents like Shubman Gill, Ishan Kishan, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ruturaj Gaikwad, and Tilak Varma knocking on the doors of international cricket, the future looks bright. These talented individuals have already showcased their skills in various formats and have the potential to fill the void left by Rohit Sharma, paving the way for a successful transition in Indian cricket.