In every match, batting at number three is a significant risk. You may face the second ball of the innings, or you could have to wait for over 25 overs for your first delivery. They, along with the batsmen who follow them at No. 4, have the primary task of giving stability to the squad while also keeping the scoreboard ticking. The position that has been coveted by all-time greats such as Ricky Ponting, Kumar Sangakkara, and Jacques Kallis is now occupied by current greats such as Pujara, Kane Williamson, and Steve Smith.
In this article, we will look at the players who can play for India at number 3 in Tests:
1.KL Rahul
KL Rahul is one of the most notable names set to return to Indian Test cricket. Rahul has established himself as a reliable batsman in recent years, scoring runs for India in virtually all limited-overs games. As a result, Rahul’s chances of doing well when wealing at number three in the purest format are quite great. KL’s Test numbers in England make him a more convenient alternative.
Rahul has an average of 30 and a strike rate of 66 while playing the game in its purest form on English soil. Rahul made his Test debut against Australia in December 2014 and has since played in 36 Test matches. Rahul was a key player during the Australia trip last year, with Rohit Sharma missing the limited-overs series. In addition, Rahul has been the captain of the Punjab Kings in the IPL since the 2021 season. As a result, the team’s management has every reason to look to Rahul for the key role.
2.Rishabh Pant
Because of his recent spectacular performances, the young wicketkeeper-batsman has become one of the hottest properties in international cricket. Pant has been a steady performer, with many powerful bowlers falling victim to his skill. Pant played a key role in India’s Test series victories over Australia and England earlier this year.
Pant’s emergence as a regular in the starting XI may prompt the team’s management to assign him the role of captain in the future. The southpaw (23) is noticeably younger than Rahul (29) and Rohit (34). As a result, team management may benefit by investing in the prodigy. Pant has even been tipped as Kohli’s replacement by some.
3.Hanuma Vihari
Hanuma Vihari has been a constant member of India’s Test setup since his debut in the purest version of the game against England in September 2018. The 27-year-old showed his class in the longest format, impressing the cricket community with his bravery and perseverance.
Vihari has played in 12 Test matches for India, accumulating 624 runs with a strike rate of 42.6 and an average of 32.8. Despite his outstanding numbers, Vihari was unable to get a place in the WTC Test XI. The right-hander last played for India in a Test match in January 2021 against Australia, but he has been out of the team since then owing to a lack of a suitable replacement.
