![Gill can be the one to replace Kohli at number 3 vs AFG [Source: AFP]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1780744546285_GillcanbetheonetoreplaceKohliatnumber3vsAFG.jpg?type=hq)
Gill can be the one to replace Kohli at number 3 vs AFG [Source: AFP]
The India vs Afghanistan one-off Test is underway, with the two sides colliding in the red-ball format before the white-ball series commences. Once the Test match gets over, the two teams will lock horns in a riveting three-match ODI series to prepare for the 2027 World Cup.
India has already announced a strong squad for the three-game series as they aim to continue their stellar form in the white-ball format. The Afghanistan ODIs provide India a chance to test their bench strength, but ahead of the matches, the team has suffered a couple of injuries.
Virat Kohli, their star batter, sustained a hamstring tear during the IPL 2026 final against the Gujarat Titans, and as a result, he has been advised a 6-week rest period. With Kohli out of the crucial tour, we take a look at 3 players from the team who can replace Kohli at number 3.
1) Shubman Gill
Yashasvi Jaiswal replaced Virat Kohli in the ODI squad vs Afghanistan, but he cannot play at 3 since his best batting position is at the top (as an opener). Moreover, the Men in Blue also need Rohit Sharma’s experience at the top, and so, he cannot be demoted.
Thus, the only logical choice is demoting Shubman Gill at number 3, occupying Kohli’s batting position. In Tests, Gill has already cemented the number 4 spot, a position that was owned by Kohli for years. Hence, it won’t be a surprise if the Indian ODI captain bats at 3 to accommodate Jaiswal in the lineup.
At 3, Gill can play his free-flowing style of play, which he usually does as an opener, and he can also be a crisis man like Kohli, if India loses early wickets.
2) Ishan Kishan
Logically, if India doesn’t want to disturb the Gill-Rohit Sharma opening combination, then the best player to replace Kohli at 3 should be Ishan Kishan. The southpaw was drafted into the squad after a stellar domestic and T20 World Cup campaign, and he can bring in a different dimension at that designation (number 3).
Also Read: Virat Kohli In Or Out? BCCI Reveal IND vs ENG Status
An aggressive left-handed batter, Kishan can play a fearless brand of cricket at number 3, and with his style of play, he can take the game away from the Afghanistan side in the blink of an eye.
If India wants an aggressive player after Gill and Rohit, then Kishan should be their man at number 3.
3) Washington Sundar
An out-of-the-box choice to replace Virat Kohli at number 3, Washington Sundar has all the necessary tools to succeed the great Kohli. Just like Kohli, he has the temperament to play long innings, and the Tamil Nadu player has already proven it with stellar knocks in Test cricket.
In Test match cricket, head coach Gautam Gambhir has used Sundar at numbers 5, and 6. Moreover, in the recent ODI series, he was promoted above KL Rahul at number 5, and it showcases the trust the management has in Sundar’s batting ability.
Hence, if they need a temporary replacement, with the ability to score runs with ease, Sundar could be a solid choice for Team India. He can play as an anchor, and as witnessed in IPL 2026, Sundar can also deal in boundaries.
Also Read: Who Is Shaik Rasheed? The Andhra Talent Who Earned His India Call
