5 Players who can be India's number three in Tests

The Indian Test squad for the upcoming two-match home Test series vs Sri Lanka was announced recently. The 18-member squad was highlighted by two major exclusions in senior batters Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane. With both Test veterans going through a lengthy lean patch, their axing from the side was on the cards given the selectors are looking to give the next crop of Indian batters a chance at proving their abilities. 

With India’s long-term Test number three, Cheteshwar Pujara, losing out on his spot in the team, the crucial slot in India’s batting lineup is now wide open. Pujara, for the longest time, has been guarding the number three position and has come up with many exceptional innings batting one down in the Indian batting lineup. Even though it will be a challenge for India’s next number three batter to fill into Pujara’s shoes, here’s looking at –

5 Players who can be potential candidates for India’s number three in Tests

1. KL Rahul

Though KL Rahul has been performing the role of an opener pretty well for the Indian team, he surely can ace a different role equally well, if and when required.

Rahul has been playing in Indian colours for several years now and has the experience to be the mainstay in India’s batting order. Having already led the team in the past, the elegant batter is more than capable of shouldering the extra responsibility.

In terms of skill set, the right-handed batter has it all covered. He is solid in defense and exquisite in his stroke play. With plenty of shots in his armory, the 28-year-old can be a brilliant number three option. The fact that India has proven backup openers in Mayank Agarwal and Shubman Gill, India should further endorse the possibility of Rahul batting at three going ahead.