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Tilak Varma Positioned as Virat Kohli’s ODI No. 3 Successor
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Jaffer Endorses Tilak Varma for the No. 3 Slot
Former India opener Wasim Jaffer has publicly backed left-handed batter Tilak Varma as a future occupant of the No. 3 position in India’s One-Day International (ODI) lineup, citing his ability to bat across the top and middle order.
Background & Context
Virat Kohli has confirmed that the 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup will be his final appearance, meaning India will need a new No. 3 after the event. Former captain Rohit Sharma is also expected to move on, prompting speculation about replacements for both top-order spots.
Data & Statistics
- ODI experience: Varma has featured in four ODIs, scoring 68 runs at an average of 22.67. He has batted twice at No. 3, once at No. 4 and once at No. 5.
- First-class record: In the Duleep Trophy, Varma maintained a batting average of around 55.
- Asian Games 2026 performance: In the final against Pakistan, Varma posted an unbeaten 51 off 22 balls (SR 231.81), contributing to India’s 211/6 total and the gold-medal victory.
Official Statements & Responses
Kohli’s remarks underscore the transition: he stated the 2027 World Cup will be his last, framing it as a personal milestone. Jaffer, speaking on his YouTube channel, highlighted Varma’s adaptability to multiple batting positions and his solid domestic record, which he believes equips Varma to handle the demands of all three formats.
On-the-Ground Reports
During the Asian Games 2026 final, Varma entered after early wickets fell and delivered a rapid unbeaten 51, steering India to a defendable total. His aggressive strokeplay and high strike rate were cited as evidence of his capacity to perform under pressure.
Verbatim Quotes
- “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,” — Wasim Jaffer
- “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,” — Wasim Jaffer
- “For me, it's the last World Cup I'm going to play for India,” — Kohli
What’s Next
Selection committees will monitor Varma’s performances in domestic tournaments and limited-overs internationals as India plans its post-2027 batting order. Formal appointment to the No. 3 slot will depend on upcoming series and the retirement timeline of senior players.