Well, in recent times, Cheteshwar Pujara’s batting has got very iffy and inconsistent. The batter who used to be India’s next best after Virat Kohli has immensely become dodgy with his gameplay. In the previous WTC cycle, Pujara had just averaged around 28, scoring 841 runs from 18 games.

Overall, in a nutshell, the veteran is scuffling since India’s first-ever pink-ball Test. In fact from the 2021 WTC final, the 33-year old has been staying afloat on very thin ice.  Comprehensively, even his latest erratic fifty-plus scores have just allowed him to hang by thread.

Hence, with team India’s current loss in SA demanding a remodelling of the batting order, let’s check out three batters who can replace Pujara in the longest format.

3 Players who can replace Cheteshwar Pujara at number three:

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-515690" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Hanuma-Vihari-3.jpg" alt="Hanuma Vihari" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-515690" class="wp-caption-text">Hanuma Vihari. (Photo Source: Instagram)</figcaption>

For the longest of times now, Hanuma Vihari has been in the reserves for team India. The batter who used to be previously considered as number six option overseas has been direly waiting. However, if the 28-year old is selected to replace Pujara then India can again expect rigidity and steadfastness at number three.

Much like Pujara, Vihari is a classical red-ball batter. With a flawless technique, Vihari is well equipped to bat in all conditions. In fact, in his short career, former captain Virat Kohli had praised that the dressing room feels calmer when Vihari is out in the middle.

Perhaps in terms of his stats, the cricketer has so far played 13 Tests, scoring 684 runs at an average of 34.20. In overseas assignments, Vihari was India’s best batter in West Indies especially considering his selection happening over <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/india-is-lucky-to-have-so-many-options-i-will-stick-to-rohit-sharma-as-indias-next-test-skipper-kevin-pietersen/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Rohit Sharma</strong></a>. At number three, Vihari can smoothly grind predominantly because of his high ball consumption appetite.

Overall even when it comes to amassing runs on sub-continent pitches, the Andhra boy has an excellent first-class record at an average of 55.50. Nevertheless, with Ajinkya Rahane’s establishment also getting uncertain, Vihari could even be backed for number five.

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-531660" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Shubman-Gill-1.jpg" alt="Shubman Gill" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-531660" class="wp-caption-text">Shubman Gill. (Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images)</figcaption>

The eventual idea of making <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/shubman-gill-or-prithvi-shaw-might-replace-mayank-agarwal-in-the-indian-test-side-going-forward-harbhajan-singh/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Shubman Gill</strong></a> play Test cricket was to dwell him in the middle-order. Though the Punjab batter has been adequate with his opening stints, he seems to be an ideal material to bat in the top four. Technique wise Gill might have certain problems with his foot movement, but at number three, he can give India both runs and resoluteness.

Unlike Pujara, Gill likes scoring and nudging rather than blocking. His innate gameplay makes him look to score runs rather than be like a wall. Even when the batter gets attacked by a barrage of bouncers, Gill likes pulling and hooking. Much like our beloved king Kohli, Gill likes feeling bat on the ball.

In fact even in terms of his strike rate, the 22-year old scores a tad quicker than the other established Indian batters. Overall, if team India requires a batter who can steer the proceedings without halting the scorecard then Gill can become an excellent candidate to back.

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-582742" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Shreyas-Iyer-3.jpg" alt="Shreyas Iyer" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-582742" class="wp-caption-text">Shreyas Iyer. (Photo Source: BCCI)</figcaption>

Well, in team India’s current Test batting landscape, <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/reports-rcb-keen-to-buy-skipper-shreyas-iyer-kkr-and-pbks-also-interested/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Shreyas Iyer</strong></a> has become a new entrant. By scoring a match-winning hundred on debut, Iyer is now definitely available for a lengthy stay. The 27-year old in first-class cricket has been averaging above 50 and looks acceptable for all international endeavours.

In fact, though some might perceive him as a peppy batter, Iyer had just proved his persistence in his debut series. Even technique-wise, handling the short ball only seems to be the chink in his armour. In home conditions, the Mumbai batter can bat in any position, precisely because of his ability to play spin well.

Perhaps with regards to replacing Pujara completely, the batter’s only hindrance will be the overseas tours. Overall, if Iyer cracks the code of batting long and scoring big then surely red-ball cricket can become his cup of tea.

<p>Well, in recent times, Cheteshwar Pujara’s batting has got very iffy and inconsistent. The batter who used to be India’s next best after Virat Kohli has immensely become dodgy with his gameplay. In the previous WTC cycle, Pujara had just averaged around 28, scoring 841 runs from 18 games.</p>
<p>Overall, in a nutshell, the veteran is scuffling since India’s first-ever pink-ball Test. In fact from the 2021 WTC final, the 33-year old has been staying afloat on very thin ice.&nbsp; Comprehensively, even his latest erratic fifty-plus scores have just allowed him to hang by thread.</p>
<p>Hence, with team India’s current loss in SA demanding a remodelling of the batting order, let’s check out three batters who can replace Pujara in the longest format.</p>
<h3>3 Players who can replace Cheteshwar Pujara at number three:</h3>
<h3>1. Hanuma Vihari</h3>
<figure id="attachment_515690" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-515690" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-515690" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Hanuma-Vihari-3.jpg" alt="Hanuma Vihari" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-515690" class="wp-caption-text">Hanuma Vihari. (Photo Source: Instagram)</figcaption></figure>
<p>For the longest of times now, Hanuma Vihari has been in the reserves for team India. The batter who used to be previously considered as number six option overseas has been direly waiting. However, if the 28-year old is selected to replace Pujara then India can again expect rigidity and steadfastness at number three.</p>
<p>Much like Pujara, Vihari is a classical red-ball batter. With a flawless technique, Vihari is well equipped to bat in all conditions. In fact, in his short career, former captain Virat Kohli had praised that the dressing room feels calmer when Vihari is out in the middle.</p>
<p>Perhaps in terms of his stats, the cricketer has so far played 13 Tests, scoring 684 runs at an average of 34.20. In overseas assignments, Vihari was India’s best batter in West Indies especially considering his selection happening over <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/india-is-lucky-to-have-so-many-options-i-will-stick-to-rohit-sharma-as-indias-next-test-skipper-kevin-pietersen/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Rohit Sharma</strong></a>. At number three, Vihari can smoothly grind predominantly because of his high ball consumption appetite.</p>
<p>Overall even when it comes to amassing runs on sub-continent pitches, the Andhra boy has an excellent first-class record at an average of 55.50. Nevertheless, with Ajinkya Rahane’s establishment also getting uncertain, Vihari could even be backed for number five.</p>
<h3>2. Shubman Gill</h3>
<figure id="attachment_531660" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-531660" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-531660" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Shubman-Gill-1.jpg" alt="Shubman Gill" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-531660" class="wp-caption-text">Shubman Gill. (Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
<p>The eventual idea of making <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/shubman-gill-or-prithvi-shaw-might-replace-mayank-agarwal-in-the-indian-test-side-going-forward-harbhajan-singh/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Shubman Gill</strong></a> play Test cricket was to dwell him in the middle-order. Though the Punjab batter has been adequate with his opening stints, he seems to be an ideal material to bat in the top four. Technique wise Gill might have certain problems with his foot movement, but at number three, he can give India both runs and resoluteness.</p>
<p>Unlike Pujara, Gill likes scoring and nudging rather than blocking. His innate gameplay makes him look to score runs rather than be like a wall. Even when the batter gets attacked by a barrage of bouncers, Gill likes pulling and hooking. Much like our beloved king Kohli, Gill likes feeling bat on the ball.</p>
<p>In fact even in terms of his strike rate, the 22-year old scores a tad quicker than the other established Indian batters. Overall, if team India requires a batter who can steer the proceedings without halting the scorecard then Gill can become an excellent candidate to back.</p>
<h3>3. Shreyas Iyer</h3>
<figure id="attachment_582742" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-582742" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-582742" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Shreyas-Iyer-3.jpg" alt="Shreyas Iyer" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-582742" class="wp-caption-text">Shreyas Iyer. (Photo Source: BCCI)</figcaption></figure>
<p>Well, in team India’s current Test batting landscape, <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/reports-rcb-keen-to-buy-skipper-shreyas-iyer-kkr-and-pbks-also-interested/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Shreyas Iyer</strong></a> has become a new entrant. By scoring a match-winning hundred on debut, Iyer is now definitely available for a lengthy stay. The 27-year old in first-class cricket has been averaging above 50 and looks acceptable for all international endeavours.</p>
<p>In fact, though some might perceive him as a peppy batter, Iyer had just proved his persistence in his debut series. Even technique-wise, handling the short ball only seems to be the chink in his armour. In home conditions, the Mumbai batter can bat in any position, precisely because of his ability to play spin well.</p>
<p>Perhaps with regards to replacing Pujara completely, the batter’s only hindrance will be the overseas tours. Overall, if Iyer cracks the code of batting long and scoring big then surely red-ball cricket can become his cup of tea.</p>

<p>Well, in recent times, Cheteshwar Pujara’s batting has got very iffy and inconsistent. The batter who used to be India’s next best after Virat Kohli has immensely become dodgy with his gameplay. In the previous WTC cycle, Pujara had just averaged around 28, scoring 841 runs from 18 games.</p>
<p>Overall, in a nutshell, the veteran is scuffling since India’s first-ever pink-ball Test. In fact from the 2021 WTC final, the 33-year old has been staying afloat on very thin ice.  Comprehensively, even his latest erratic fifty-plus scores have just allowed him to hang by thread.</p>
<p>Hence, with team India’s current loss in SA demanding a remodelling of the batting order, let’s check out three batters who can replace Pujara in the longest format.</p>
<h3>3 Players who can replace Cheteshwar Pujara at number three:</h3>
<h3>1. Hanuma Vihari</h3>
<figure id="attachment_515690" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-515690" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-515690" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Hanuma-Vihari-3.jpg" alt="Hanuma Vihari" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-515690" class="wp-caption-text">Hanuma Vihari. (Photo Source: Instagram)</figcaption></figure>
<p>For the longest of times now, Hanuma Vihari has been in the reserves for team India. The batter who used to be previously considered as number six option overseas has been direly waiting. However, if the 28-year old is selected to replace Pujara then India can again expect rigidity and steadfastness at number three.</p>
<p>Much like Pujara, Vihari is a classical red-ball batter. With a flawless technique, Vihari is well equipped to bat in all conditions. In fact, in his short career, former captain Virat Kohli had praised that the dressing room feels calmer when Vihari is out in the middle.</p>
<p>Perhaps in terms of his stats, the cricketer has so far played 13 Tests, scoring 684 runs at an average of 34.20. In overseas assignments, Vihari was India’s best batter in West Indies especially considering his selection happening over <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/india-is-lucky-to-have-so-many-options-i-will-stick-to-rohit-sharma-as-indias-next-test-skipper-kevin-pietersen/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Rohit Sharma</strong></a>. At number three, Vihari can smoothly grind predominantly because of his high ball consumption appetite.</p>
<p>Overall even when it comes to amassing runs on sub-continent pitches, the Andhra boy has an excellent first-class record at an average of 55.50. Nevertheless, with Ajinkya Rahane’s establishment also getting uncertain, Vihari could even be backed for number five.</p>
<h3>2. Shubman Gill</h3>
<figure id="attachment_531660" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-531660" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-531660" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Shubman-Gill-1.jpg" alt="Shubman Gill" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-531660" class="wp-caption-text">Shubman Gill. (Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
<p>The eventual idea of making <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/shubman-gill-or-prithvi-shaw-might-replace-mayank-agarwal-in-the-indian-test-side-going-forward-harbhajan-singh/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Shubman Gill</strong></a> play Test cricket was to dwell him in the middle-order. Though the Punjab batter has been adequate with his opening stints, he seems to be an ideal material to bat in the top four. Technique wise Gill might have certain problems with his foot movement, but at number three, he can give India both runs and resoluteness.</p>
<p>Unlike Pujara, Gill likes scoring and nudging rather than blocking. His innate gameplay makes him look to score runs rather than be like a wall. Even when the batter gets attacked by a barrage of bouncers, Gill likes pulling and hooking. Much like our beloved king Kohli, Gill likes feeling bat on the ball.</p>
<p>In fact even in terms of his strike rate, the 22-year old scores a tad quicker than the other established Indian batters. Overall, if team India requires a batter who can steer the proceedings without halting the scorecard then Gill can become an excellent candidate to back.</p>
<h3>3. Shreyas Iyer</h3>
<figure id="attachment_582742" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-582742" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-582742" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Shreyas-Iyer-3.jpg" alt="Shreyas Iyer" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-582742" class="wp-caption-text">Shreyas Iyer. (Photo Source: BCCI)</figcaption></figure>
<p>Well, in team India’s current Test batting landscape, <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/reports-rcb-keen-to-buy-skipper-shreyas-iyer-kkr-and-pbks-also-interested/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Shreyas Iyer</strong></a> has become a new entrant. By scoring a match-winning hundred on debut, Iyer is now definitely available for a lengthy stay. The 27-year old in first-class cricket has been averaging above 50 and looks acceptable for all international endeavours.</p>
<p>In fact, though some might perceive him as a peppy batter, Iyer had just proved his persistence in his debut series. Even technique-wise, handling the short ball only seems to be the chink in his armour. In home conditions, the Mumbai batter can bat in any position, precisely because of his ability to play spin well.</p>
<p>Perhaps with regards to replacing Pujara completely, the batter’s only hindrance will be the overseas tours. Overall, if Iyer cracks the code of batting long and scoring big then surely red-ball cricket can become his cup of tea.</p>

Pujara might lose his place from the Test team following poor returns over the last year or so.

3 Players who can replace Cheteshwar Pujara at number three in India’s Test team

Here are three players who can replace Cheteshwar Pujara at number three for India in the Test team after poor returns