#2 Shubman Gill
Shubman Gill finished as the leading run-scorer in the 2018 U-19 World Cup and although his ideal position might be at #3 or #4, we have seen him open for the Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League (IPL). The 20-year-old seems to have a calm head on his shoulders and all the shots in the book, two qualities that make Rohit Sharma the limited-overs great he is.
Gill has made the Test squad on occasions, but is yet to don the whites for India. In the 2 ODIs he has been a part of, he didn't get an opportunity to showcase his wares on the international stage.
Shubman Gill has already been touted as the man to take over from KKR captain Dinesh Karthik and we could see leadership elevate his game ever further, just like it did when he captained India C in the Deodhar Trophy. If he is given opportunities at the top of the order, we could see him emulate Rohit Sharma.
#3 Rishabh Pant
Perhaps the most left-field choice on this list, Rishabh Pant has been at the centre of unlimited criticism during his international career so far. The 22-year-old has shown a propensity for throwing his wicket away carelessly, an issue that plagued a young Rohit Sharma as well.
Just like Virender Sehwag and Sanath Jayasuriya before him, a move to the top of the order could bring the best out of the Delhi batsman. We have seen him bat at #4 for the Delhi Capitals in the IPL, as well as a brief stint at the same position for the national team. But Pant might have to move higher to truly realise his massive potential.
Importantly, his batting might open up doors that his wicket-keeping doesn't have the keys to. Pant is undoubtedly a quality player, and Indian captain Virat Kohli and coach Ravi Shastri could roll the dice and give him a chance to make an opening slot alongside (or after) Rohit Sharma his own.
Also Read: 3 Indian bowlers with the most Test wickets in a losing cause
Follow IPL Auction 2025 Live Updates, News & Biddings at Sportskeeda. Get the fastest updates on Mega-Auction and cricket news