IND vs WI ODI:Discussions have begun regarding who will take over the number 3 spot in Indian cricket after Virat Kohli. Kohli has already stated that the 2027 ODI World Cup will be his last.
In this context, Team India will need a strong option for the number 3 position in the future. Former Indian batter Wasim Jaffer has suggested the name of young left-handed batter Tilak Varma for this role.
Jaffer believes that Tilak Varma possesses all the qualities that make him a contender to take over the No. 3 role after Virat Kohli.
Tilak's greatest strength is the flexibility in his batting. He has batted at No. 3, No. 4, and No. 5 for India in ODIs. He has also batted at various positions in T20 cricket.
Praising Tilak's batting ability on his YouTube channel, Wasim Jaffer remarked that his ease in adapting to different batting positions is a major asset. Tilak has scored a century at number 3 and has also effectively handled responsibilities at numbers 5 and 6.
Jaffer also highlighted Tilak's significant first-class record; his first-class batting average is around 55. According to Jaffer, given his technique and style of play, Tilak could prove to be a valuable player for India across all three formats.
Tilak's ODI experience is still limited
Tilak Varma has played only four ODI matches for India so far. He has scored 68 runs across these four matches at an average of 22.66. He has batted at number 3 twice, and at numbers 4 and 5 once each. His last ODI match was against South Africa in December 2025.
In terms of statistics, Tilak still has a long way to go; however, his talent, left-handed batting, and ability to bat in varied conditions make him a strong prospect for the future.
The 2027 World Cup will be Kohli's final World Cup
Virat Kohli himself has made it clear that the 2027 ODI World Cup will be his last for India. He has stated that his goal is to give his all to help India win the title in this tournament. The 2027 World Cup will be the fifth ODI World Cup of his career.
In such a scenario, the Indian team still has time to groom a successor to Kohli. Apart from Tilak Varma, Ruturaj Gaikwad and Shubman Gill could also be potential contenders for the number 3 spot. Gill has already proven his mettle across various batting positions.
Jaffer Praises Abhishek Sharma Too
Wasim Jaffer also praised the evolution in young batter Abhishek Sharma's game. He believes that Abhishek is now batting with greater composure than before. Previously, he used to attempt big shots right at the start of the innings, but now he has begun batting by assessing the match situation.
In such a scenario, several young batsmen could be entrusted with major responsibilities in Team India in the coming years. However, when it comes to the number 3 spot after Virat Kohli, Tilak Varma is at the top of the list in Wasim Jaffer's view.
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