As per reports, Virat Kohli will be rested for the ODI series against Sri Lanka. This will give an opportunity to some of the youngsters to stake a claim in the ODI squad. On that note, here, we take a look at the list of three players who could bat at No.3 in ODIs against Sri Lanka if Virat Kohli is rested.
1) Ruturaj Gaikwad
Ruturaj Gaikwad is an opener but he is now often used at No.3. Even for CSK in IPL 2024, he played a few matches at No.3.
Considering he has the skills to change gears quickly, Rutu might be an apt choice to operate at No.3. He is a quality player against spinners and has class against pacers. This aspect will help him to occupy the role held by Virat Kohli.
2) Rishabh Pant
Rishabh Pant is one of the players who could bat at No.3 in ODIs against Sri Lanka if Virat Kohli is rested. In the 2024 T20 World Cup, the India management took a bold call by having Pant at No.3. It paid off to an extent.
It will not be a surprise if a similar call is taken in the ODI squad. KL Rahul is the designated keeper in ODIs but it is hard to keep Pant out of the equation. Therefore, the management might explore the No.3 role for him. Of course, once Virat returns, he will come back to play at No.3.
3) B Sai Sudharsan
B Sai Sudharsan did well when he got a chance against South Africa in the ODI series. He is also more suited to the ODI format. While he might like to be a part as an opener, he may not get that chance as Jaiswal could get the nod.
In this regard, the management might consider Sai at No.3. He is good against both pacers and spinners and he can control the tempo of the game. Hence, he is a part of this list.
