Rohit Sharma, one of the most decorated cricketers in Indian history, has been a pillar at the top of the order in One Day Internationals for over a decade. From his unmatched timing to his ability to build big innings, Sharma’s contributions are unmatched. However, with age and fitness beginning to be key concerns, and with selectors likely to consider both form and fitness ahead of the ODI series in Australia this October, it wouldn’t be surprising if Rohit decides to step away from the 50-over format.
If that moment comes, India will need to look toward the future — and thankfully, there are a few talented names ready to step up. Let’s look at three strong contenders who could take over the opener’s role in ODIs after Rohit Sharma.
Yashasvi Jaiswal – Left-Handed Flair and Consistency
Yashasvi Jaiswal has already been in the mix with the Indian ODI setup and is seen as a long-term prospect. His left-handedness offers a nice balance at the top alongside Shubman Gill, and his ability to accelerate or anchor makes him a great fit for ODIs.
With an impressive List A average of over 52, Jaiswal has consistently shown his ability to score runs under different conditions. What makes him even more suitable for the 50-over format is his experience and success in both long-form and T20 cricket — a rare blend that’s crucial in today’s ODI game.
Jaiswal’s aggressive intent, coupled with the technique to bat deep, makes him one of the strongest candidates to take over the reins from Rohit Sharma.
Sanju Samson – Experience, Power-Hitting, and Flexibility
Sanju Samson is no stranger to Indian cricket fans. Although he’s mostly been in and out of the squad, his performances in white-ball cricket have shown why he deserves a longer rope. While he has mostly batted in the middle order in ODIs — where he averages an impressive 56.6 — Samson has consistently opened the innings in domestic cricket and T20s, with great success.
As an opener, he brings a fearless approach to the powerplay and can replicate the kind of aggressive starts that Rohit provided. His wicketkeeping ability is an added bonus, offering India a dual utility player in the XI.
If Samson is given a consistent run at the top, he could be a match-winner in the 50-over format, especially with the next World Cup cycle in sight.
Sai Sudharsan – Technique Meets Modern ODI Approach
Sai Sudharsan has quickly established himself as one of India’s most promising young batters. Whether it’s the IPL or domestic cricket, Sudharsan has shown he can adapt to various formats with ease. In List A cricket, he averages 60 with a near-100 strike rate — ideal stats for a modern ODI opener.
His recent performances in the IPL, where he emerged as one of the top run-getters with a strike rate north of 150, speak volumes about his shot-making and temperament. Despite being relatively new on the international scene, Sudharsan appears to have the mindset and game to thrive under pressure — a trait that’s vital in high-stakes ODI matches.
If India is looking for a reliable, technically sound, and dynamic top-order batter, Sai Sudharsan is undoubtedly one to invest in.
