Contenders for India’s Middle Order in Tests After Rohit’s Exit

India’s cricketing landscape is set for a shift as Rohit Sharma’s exit from the Test team opens up a spot in the batting order. With KL Rahul likely to move up to the openning position, the middle order now has a vacancy that several players are eyeing. This article explores the key contenders who could step into this role.

Anil Kumble has mentioned Jasprit Bumrah and Shubman Gill as prime candidates for a significant role, possibly related to leadership. However, the focus here is on who will fill the middle-order slot. Among the top contenders are Dhruv Jurel, Karun Nair, Sai Sudharsan, and Sarfaraz Khan.

Dhruv Jurel stood out with his performance during the second unofficial Test for India A against Australia A in Melbourne, where he scored 80 and 68. Despite limited experience, he is considered likely to be picked as a backup to Rishabh Pant, especially given his impressive showing after replacing Rohit Sharma in the second Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy last year.

Karun Nair, who recently moved to Vidarbha from Karnataka, was instrumental in their Ranji Trophy 2024-25 title win, recording 863 runs in 16 innings. His experience extends to county cricket with Northamptonshire, where he averaged 56.61 with 736 runs in 14 innings, making him a strong contender for the spot.

Sai Sudharsan is another promising option, having been among the leading run-getters in IPL 2025 with the Gujarat Titans. His experience with Surrey in county cricket, although limited to 281 runs in eight innings, adds to his portfolio as a left-hand batter.

Sarfaraz Khan, recognized for scoring 150 in a Test against New Zealand, retains his importance despite recent inactivity due to a rib injury. His capacity to score heavily makes him a worthy candidate, provided he regains full fitness.

As India prepares for upcoming Test series, selecting a player to fill Rohit Sharma’s position in the batting order will be pivotal. Each contender brings a unique strength, which makes the selection not only crucial but also exciting for the future of Indian cricket.