Wasim Jaffer suggests Tilak Varma as Kohli's potential No. 3 replacement
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Oct 4, 2026, 8:05 PM
Last updated Oct 4, 2026
Former India opener Wasim Jaffer has endorsed Tilak Varma as a strong candidate to replace Virat Kohli at No. 3 in India's ODI batting lineup following the 2027 World Cup. Kohli has announced that it will be his final World Cup, creating a significant gap. Jaffer highlighted Varma's versatility and recent success in different batting positions as key attributes for the role. Varma has limited ODI experience, with only four matches played, averaging 22.67 runs. As the team prepares for this transition, suggestions for other players to step into key roles have also surfaced.
- •Kohli confirms 2027 World Cup will be his last.
- •Jaffer cites Varma's versatility and performance in first-class cricket.
- •Varma has played 4 ODIs, averaging 22.67 runs.
- •Other potential replacements include Yashasvi Jaiswal for the top order.
- •India faces a major restructuring in its batting lineup.
- 8:05 PMYahoo Sports — 'It’s about time': Wasim Jaffer backs left-haned batter as Virat Kohli's replacement at No.3 in ODIs
"Kohli has confirmed that the 2027 edition will be his last ODI World Cup for India, meaning the team will have to find a replacement at No. 3, a position he has held for many years.
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