India will eventually have to fill the No. 3 spot in its ODI batting order after Virat Kohli plays his final 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 at different positions has caught Jaffer’s attention. Tilak has already played at No. 3, No. 4 and No. 5 for India in ODIs, while also taking on different roles in T20 cricket.
“It feels great to see his versatility. He previously scored a century at No. 3, and now he has adapted to the No. 5 and No. 6 positions so beautifully. This is 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 evidence of his ability to handle the demands of different formats.
“When 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 place. He has that game; we saw the way he scored runs in the Duleep Trophy. His first-class average is around 55. So, he can fit into all three formats pretty easily,” Jaffer said.
Tilak has played only four ODIs for India, scoring 68 runs at an average of 22.67. He has batted twice at No. 3 and once each at No. 4 and No. 5. His most recent ODI came against South Africa in December 2025.
Kohli has already made it clear that the 2027 World Cup will be his final appearance in the tournament.
“For me, it’s the last World Cup I’m going to play for India,” Kohli told broadcaster JioStar on Saturday. “That is my motivation and like, you know, to leave everything out there. And of course, the goal is absolutely to win the World Cup and whatever it takes, 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 intensity of the 50-over competition.
“The intensity of a 50-over World Cup is greater than anything. Because now, it’s about 10 games at a Twenty20 level of intensity,” he said.
JAFFER PRAISES ABHISHEK SHARMA
Jaffer also spoke about Abhishek Sharma’s development and believes the young opener has become more composed in his approach.
“It seems that Abhishek has matured a bit. He takes a little time, and the assurance is visible now, although this format doesn’t give you a lot of time. His earlier approach was to try to hit a six on the first ball. Now, he has understood that it was the wrong approach,” Jaffer said.
Tilak is not India’s only possible option for the No. 3 position. Ruturaj Gaikwad could also be considered, 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 began his Test career as an opener before moving into the No. 4 position following Kohli’s departure and performing strongly.
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