Rohit Sharma will be in focus when India will take on South Africa in the three-match Test series with the first to be played on October 2 in Visakhapatnam. Rohit, who is a regular opener in the shorter formats, got the opportunity to don the opener’s jersey in Test, after the continuous failure of KL Rahul. The right-handed batsman has a stellar record in ODIs and T20Is. However, Test cricket is altogether a different ball game and the decision to make Rohit an opener might well backfire this time. And, we will focus on three batsmen who might have been a better option than the 32-year old batsman.

Rohit made his Test debut way back in 2013 but was never able to seal the spot. The batsman generally batted at number 5 or number 6 but failed to put up a significant mark. On many occasions, the batsman was foxed by the pace and bounce and also threw his wickets in many matches. In the practice match against South Africa too, the batsman bagged a second-ball duck and made a dismal start as an opener in Tests. However, Many young guns have delivered consistently in the Indian domestic circuit and deserved a chance ahead of the veteran players. So, let’s check out three players who might have been a better option than Rohit Sharma in Tests.

1. Abhimanyu Easwaran

The Bengal-born batsman has been one of the most consistent performers in the domestic circuit and has a staggering record for Bengal in first-class matches. In 53 first-class matches, the batsman mustered 4109 runs with an average of 48. These numbers speak about the volume of the batsman and his 13 centuries display his ability to play long innings. So, giving Easwaran a go against South Africa could prove to be an impeccable move.

2. Priyank Panchal

Another opener who has performed consistently in first-class cricket is Priyank Panchal. The 29-year-old has proved his mettle in tournaments like Ranji Trophy and Duleep Trophy, and is also eyeing the Indian jersey. Till now, the batsman had featured in 88 first-class games, in which he has aggregated over 6000 runs with the best score of 314. So, Panchal’s inclusion might have solved India’s top order dilemma in Tests.

3. Shubman Gill

In his short-career, Gill has played some incredible innings and is considered as the next big thing in Indian cricket. The 20-year-old is also in the Indian Test squad and is known for his flamboyant stroke-play in white-ball cricket. He also has blistering numbers in the longest format. In 15 matches, the right-handed batsman has scored over 1500 runs with an average near to 70. The batsman is in the Indian squad for South Africa series. However, Rohit is set to open the innings and Gill is likely to warm the benches.

These players have been very consistent and have piled up runs consistently. So, Rohit needs to buckle up and score heavily in the series against South Africa. However, skipper Virat Kohli has claimed that Rohit will get a good run as a Test opener but if these young guns continue to top the batting charts, Rohit’s position might be endangered.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 01, 2019 03:54 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).