Seven Tests, Five Batters – India's Struggle To Fill No. 3 Role In Tests
Over the past seven Test matches, India has tried five different players in the No. 3 slot.
Team India is currently undergoing a transition period in Test cricket, and one of the biggest challenges has been finding a reliable No. 3 batter.
Since the departure of Cheteshwar Pujara, the team has been experimenting with different players, but a consistent performer at this crucial position remains elusive.
Over the past seven Test matches, India has tried five different players in the No. 3 slot—none of whom have managed to deliver consistently. As a result, captain Shubman Gill and head coach Gautam Gambhir now face increasing scrutiny.
Constant Rotation, Little Stability
During the Australia Test series, India rotated between multiple batters at No. 3:
Devdutt Padikkal played in the first Test
Shubman Gill was pushed to No. 3 for the second and third Tests
KL Rahul was given the role in the fourth Test
Then again, Gill returned to the same position in the following match
None of these players managed to cement their spot, leading to uncertainty and instability in the top order.
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England Series: The Experiment Continues
The trend has carried into the ongoing India's Test series against England. Sai Sudharsan was slotted at No. 3 in the first Test but failed to make an impact.
In the second Test, Karun Nair was given a chance. He scored 31 runs in the first innings but failed to convert it into a big score.
If Nair doesn’t deliver in the second innings, India may again be forced to look for another option in the third Test. With time running out and the team needing consistency at the top, the search for a long-term No. 3 continues — and so far, Pujara’s void remains unfilled.
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