Virat Kohli’s successor at No.3? Wasim Jaffer backs the young Indian left-hander

India will eventually have to fill the No.3 spot in their ODI batting order after Virat Kohli plays his last World Cup in 2027. Former India opener Wasim Jaffer believes Tilak Varma has the qualities to take over the role.

The left-hander’s ability to bat in a variety of positions caught Jaffer’s attention. Tilak has already played at No.3, No.4 and No.5 for India in ODIs, while also holding various roles in T20 cricket.

“It feels great to see his versatility. He used to score centuries at No. 3 and now he has adapted so beautifully to the No. 5 and No. 6 positions. That’s an amazing quality,” Jaffer said on his YouTube channel. Jaffer also highlighted Tilak’s first-class record and his recent performances in the Duleep Trophy as proof of his ability to handle the demands of different formats.

“When Virat and Rohit go, of course Rohit is the best batsman and Yashasvi Jaiswal is there to replace him, but I feel there will be a left-handed batsman in Virat’s place. He has the game; we saw him score runs in the Duleep Trophy. His first-class average is around 55,” Jaffer said easily. So it fits into all three formats quite easily.

Tilak played only four ODIs for India and scored 68 runs at an average of 22.67. He batted twice at No. 3 and once each at No. 4 and No. 5. His last ODI came against South Africa in December 2025.

Kohli has already made himself clear that the 2027 World Cup will be his last appearance at the tournament.

“For me, this is the last World Cup I will play for India,” Kohli told JioStar TV on Saturday. “That’s my motivation and I like to, you know, leave it all there. And of course, the goal is absolutely to win the World Cup and whatever it is, I’m absolutely ready,” he added.

The 2027 tournament will be Kohli’s fifth ODI World Cup. The former India captain also spoke about the rigors of the 50-over competition.

“The intensity of the 50s World Cup is bigger than anything else. Because now it’s about 10 games at 20s level of intensity,” he said.

JAFFER PRAISES ABHISHEK SHARMA

Jaffer also spoke about the development of Abhishek Sharma and believes that the young opener has become more composed in his approach.

“Abhishek seems to have matured a bit. It takes a bit of time and the confidence is visible now, even though this format doesn’t give you much time. His earlier approach was to try to hit a six on the first ball. Now he understands that was the wrong approach,” Jaffer said.

Tilak is not India’s only possible option at No. 3. Ruturaj Gaikwad is also a possibility, while Shubman Gill is another player who could move up the order.

Gill has already shown that he can adapt to a new role. He started his Test career as an opener before moving to the No.4 position after Kohli’s departure and putting in strong performances.

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