Mumbai Indians star could replace Virat Kohli at No3 after the 2027 ODI World Cup, highlighting his versatility and first-class recordRead on to know the full details.
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Mumbai Indians stars Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav and Naman Dhir (Photo: IANS)
Former India opener Wasim Jaffer has backed Mumbai Indians star Tilak Varma as a strong option to take over Virat Kohli’s No3 position in India’s ODI batting order after the 2027 ODI World Cup.
Kohli has already confirmed that the 2027 edition will be his final ODI World Cup for IndiaHis departure will leave a major gap in the top order, with the team facing the challenge of finding a long-term replacement for one of its most important batters.
Jaffer believes Tilak has the qualities needed for the role and pointed to his ability to bat in different positions as one of his biggest strengths.
Jaffer highlights Tilak Varma’s versatility
Tilak has shown that he can adjust his batting position according to the team’s needsHe has played in different roles in T20Is and has also built a strong record in first-class cricket.
Jaffer feels that flexibility could help Tilak make the jump to the No3 position in ODIs.
“It feels great to see his versatilityHe previously scored a century at No3, and now he has adapted to the No5 and No6 positions so beautifullyThis is an amazing quality,” Jaffer said on his YouTube channel.
The former India opener believes Tilak’s left-handed batting could also give the team a different combination once Kohli and Rohit Sharma move on from international cricket.
‘There will be a left-handed batter in Virat’s place’: Wasim Jaffer
Jaffer also discussed India’s plans for the next generation of top-order battersHe feels Yashasvi Jaiswal could be the player to fill Rohit’s role, while Tilak could provide a left-handed option in Kohli’s position.
“It’s about timeWhen Virat and Rohit leave, Rohit, obviously, is a top-order batter, and Yashasvi Jaiswal is there to replace him, but I feel there will be a left-handed batter in Virat’s placeHe has that game; we saw the way he scored runs in the Duleep TrophyHis first-class average is around 55So, he can fit into all three formats pretty easily,” he added.
Tilak has limited ODI experience
Despite Jaffer’s backing, Tilak still has limited experience in 50-over cricketThe left-hander has played only four ODIs for India, scoring 68 runs at an average of 22.67.
He has batted twice at No3 and once each at No4 and No5His last ODI appearance came against South Africa in December 2025.
That series also saw Ruturaj Gaikwad bat at No4 and score a century, making him another player who could enter the discussion for the vacant position.
Gill and Gaikwad also in the race
India could also consider moving Shubman Gill to No3Gill started his Test career as an opener but later moved into the middle order and successfully occupied the position left by Kohli.
Apart from Gill, Gaikwad is another option for the selectorsHowever, replacing Kohli will bring enormous pressure on whoever takes the role.
The next No3 batter will not only be compared with Kohli but will also face the expectations that come with succeeding a player who followed in the footsteps of Sachin TendulkarIndia will therefore need to choose carefully as they prepare for the post-2027 era.
