Newly appointed ODI skipper Rohit Sharma was ruled out of the upcoming Test series against South Africa as per the latest reports in Cricbuzz. India will fly to South Africa on December 16 and Rohit might not be a part of the team. Priyank Panchal who led India A against South Africa A will replace him in the squad. There is no announcement on who will be the vice-captain as yet.

An update on Rohit Sharma’s extent of injury is expected soon from the BCCI but he is sure to miss the Test series. Panchal who will replace him has a pretty strong domestic record to show for. He has featured in 100 first-class matches and has scored 7011 runs at an average of 45.52 and has got 24 centuries.

Meanwhile, in this article, we will take a look at three players who can replace Rohit Sharma as an opener in the playing XI.

3 Potential Replacements For Injured Rohit Sharma

1) Priyank Panchal

Priyank led India A in the warm-up matches against South Africa A. He has proved his mettle in domestic cricket to get his maiden India call-up. The 31-year-old has played 100 first-class matches in his career, scoring 7,011 runs at an average of 45.52. Panchal has been part of India squads regularly in the past but has failed to make it to the playing XI as yet.

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2) Mayank Agarwal

Agarwal recently scored 150 in the second Test against New Zealand. He is in red hot form at the moment and the management should ideally try to maximise his form at the moment. With Rohit Sharma ruled out, Mayank can be his ideal replacement in the opener’s role. Agarwal also ended up winning the Man Of The Match award in the Mumbai test recently.

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3) Hanuma Vihari

Rohit’s injury has opened up a perfect opportunity for Vihari’s return in the playing XI. He has batted at several positions in his Test career so far and certainly has proved his worth as an opener.

With Rohit ruled out, Hanuma Vihari can also open the innings either with Mayank Agarwal or KL Rahul. Vihari has been out of the Test squad since his heroics against Australia earlier this year.

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