Sai Sudharsan is quickly emerging as a front-runner to replace Rohit Sharma as India's Test opener. The young left-hand batsman has been on the move in Indian cricket, as he made his international debut in 2023 and already has a few opportunities in white-ball formats.

Sudharsan's Test debut now looks like it is getting closer, as he was called upon to represent India A by the BCCI, and even scored a century while batting against Australia A. However, despite having an innings of substance, the selectors thought it best to give Devdutt Padikkal a chance, and no Sudharsan.

Now, the situation has changed. Rohit Sharma is retired at the top of the order with the opportunity. As PTI said, Sudharsan has created a strong "impression" in front of the BCCI and he was already seen as a back-up for Rohit and Yashasvi Jaiswal.

With Rohit moving aside, Sudharsan has emerged as a major candidate. However, the availability of other experienced players like Shubman Gill and KL Rahul will eat into his chances. If he doesn't come in as an opener, he can come in at number three. 

Although he missed a large part of the 2024-25 Ranji Trophy season, Sudharsan still executed well and averaged 76 in the limited matches he played (three). One of those innings included a double century against Delhi. He also fits the bill differently than Jaiswal, Sarfaraz Khan, or Nitish Kumar Reddy, since he has played in England for Kent over two years in County cricket. If India feels the need to step in with a good under-study Sudharsan may be a solid candidate.

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