The cricket grapevine is buzzing again. This time with whispers that Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli might hang up their ODI boots after the October series against Australia. If Virat Kohli’s ODI retirement rumour turns true, it won’t just mark the end of a golden era; losing Virat Kohli at No.3 would leave a gaping hole in India’s batting order. Much like his Test exit talks, the implications are big, especially with the 2027 ODI World Cup in sight. For now, though, fans are keeping fingers crossed that these legends stick around a little longer before the inevitable goodbye.
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Why Is Virat Kohli At No.3 Is Important?
In ODI cricket, the No. 3 position is often considered the backbone of a batting lineup, a spot reserved for technically sound, mentally strong, and highly adaptable players. The batter at one down must be prepared to face any situation: walking in early if an opener falls cheaply, or continuing the momentum if the openers provide a solid start. They must be equally effective against swing, seam, and spin, as they could face a new ball moving in the air or an older ball turning off the pitch. Above all, the No. 3 acts as an anchor, stabilising the innings, building partnerships, and setting up or finishing chases.
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For India, Virat Kohli has defined this role over the past decade. Virat Kohli at No.3 in 234 innings, has amassed 12,060 runs at an average of 60.9 and a strike rate of 94.3—remarkable numbers that underline both consistency and impact. His adaptability has shone in every condition: from grinding out runs on difficult pitches to dismantling quality attacks in high-pressure chases. Iconic knocks like his 183 against Pakistan in the 2012 Asia Cup and his record-breaking 117 against New Zealand in the 2023 World Cup semifinal highlight his ability to handle pressure, anchor the innings, and accelerate when required.
Simply put, No.3 hasn’t just been a position; he’s been the glue holding India’s batting order together and now if the Virat Kohli’s ODI Retirement Rumour turns out to be true, team India needs to find a proper replacement before the 2027 ODI World Cup.
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Likely Replacements for Kohli at No.3 in ODIs
If Virat Kohli decides to step away from ODIs, replacing him at No. 3 will be one of India’s biggest selection calls especially with the 2027 ODI World Cup looming. The role demands consistency, adaptability, and temperament—qualities Kohli has mastered over the years. Here’s a look at three candidates who could fill that crucial position.
Sai Sudharsan – The Young Run-Machine
With Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill almost certain to lock down the opening slots, Sai Sudharsan becomes a natural contender to replace Virat Kohli at no.3. At just 23, he has already impressed in ODIs, scoring two fifties in three innings, all away in South Africa. His List A numbers are outstanding: an average of 60.69 with a strike rate over 95.00, reflecting his ability to balance stability with scoring intent. Notably, Sudharsan thrives at No. 3 in List A cricket, averaging 102 in the position, with scores of 53, 132*, and 19 in the 2023 Deodhar Trophy. His temperament, technique, and hunger for big runs make him a strong long-term option.
Riyan Parag – The Multi-Dimensional Middle-Order Option
While Parag may not be a direct No. 3 replacement, Kohli’s retirement could see Shreyas Iyer promoted to No. 3, opening up No. 4 for Parag. The 22-year-old has a List A average of 41, which jumps to 55.25 at No. 4, with an impressive strike rate of 118 in that role. His inclusion offers India something they’ve lacked for over a decade, a genuine bowling option in the top four. Parag’s aggressive batting style, coupled with his ability to chip in with the ball, provides flexibility and balance to the side.
Sanju Samson – The Proven Performer in Limited Chances
Sanju Samson is no stranger to international cricket, and while his opportunities have been limited, his returns have been exceptional, averaging 56.67 in ODIs with a strike rate close to 100.00. Importantly, he has shown he can succeed at No. 3: his last ODI knock, a century in South Africa in 2023, came from that position. Samson’s experience in the top three across IPL, T20Is, and ODIs shows he can adapt quickly to different match situations. His attacking intent, composure under pressure, and versatility make him a serious contender, especially with Gautam Gambhir being a known admirer of his game.
Looking Ahead to a Post-Kohli Era
With Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli already bidding farewell to Tests and T20Is, every ODI they play now carries added significance, especially with the 2027 World Cup in sight. Yet, the buzz around Virat Kohli’s ODI retirement rumour, and the possibility of him stepping away after the October series against Australia, adds a layer of intrigue to India’s plans. If Kohli vacates the No. 3 spot, the likes of Sai Sudharsan, Riyan Parag, and Sanju Samson could be in line to step up, each bringing their own strengths to one of the game’s most demanding positions.
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India’s ODI journey from now until the World Cup is packed with challenges and opportunities—tours to Bangladesh, Australia, England, and series against top teams like South Africa, New Zealand, and Sri Lanka will serve as perfect testing grounds for potential successors. Whether the legends stay on or make way for the next generation, one thing is certain: the road to the 2027 ODI World Cup will be anything but dull. And if we’ve learned anything from Indian cricket over the years, it’s that transitions, while emotional, often lead to exciting new chapters. Who knows—this could be the start of one.
