In a fast-moving world, cricket has seen many evolutions to date, and the longest format of the sport &#8211; Test cricket &#8211; has still not lost its charm among the true cricket fans. Still, playing the oldest format of the game is a dream for all the cricketers who started to play this sport. The most important aspect of the format is patience and India’s Rahul Dravid is the cardinal paradigm of it.

He is fondly called the Wall of Indian cricket as he used to build an innings slowly and steadily brick by brick. Dravid, still, is the fourth highest run-getter in the Test matches. The Indian batting legend <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/to-go-past-harbhajan-singh-in-80-tests-is-phenomenal-rahul-dravid-hails-match-winner-ravi-ashwin/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Rahul Dravid</a> retired in 2012 after playing 164 Test matches for India. After his retirement, the void in the slot was teased to be filled by Cheteshwar Pujara as he also possessed defensive skills and good composure.

The modern-day wall managed to perform well in that spot and has led the team to many glories. But recently, this 33-year-old player seemed to be past his prime and is out of form. There have been calls to replace him in India&#8217;s Test team.

In the article, let&#8217;s take a look at the best three players to fit at No.3 if Pujara continues to fail

<img loading="lazy" class="wp-image-398677 size-full" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Hanuma-Vihari.jpg" alt="Hanuma Vihari" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-398677" class="wp-caption-text">Hanuma Vihari. (Photo by Kai Schwoerer/Getty Images)</figcaption>

The classic Indian Test batter Hanuma Vihari is the top contender on the list. The batter hails from Andhra Pradesh and has extensive experience of playing first-class cricket. He is known for his equanimity and defensive batting techniques.

The 28-year-old player debuted for the Indian Test team in 2018 after his phenomenal record in first-class cricket. He has played 12 matches and has scored 624 runs with an average of 32.84. He holds a century and four half-centuries under his cap at present.

Unlike the other formats which need only the match winners, the Test matches need match savers. One of a kind player is Vihari and it&#8217;s evident from a few of his innings and particularly in his last appearance against <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/it-will-help-heal-the-wounds-from-cape-town-mark-taylor-on-steve-smith-being-appointed-as-australian-test-vice-captain/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Australia</a>, where he saved the drowning match with his 23 off 161 deliveries. He is a proven player and might be apt at No.3 for the future.

<img loading="lazy" class="wp-image-413288 size-full" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Ruturaj-Gaikwad.jpg" alt="Ruturaj Gaikwad" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-413288" class="wp-caption-text">Ruturaj Gaikwad. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption>

Ruturaj Gaikwad, the find of the Indian Premier League, is gradually stepping up the ladder after his sparkling performance for <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/ipl-2022-3-fast-bowlers-chennai-super-kings-should-target-in-mega-auction/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Chennai Super Kings</a>. He won the Orange Cap in 2021’s IPL and his elegant batting technique has made the fraternity amused.

Ruturaj has impressed everyone and already seems to be the future of Indian cricket. He isn&#8217;t in this list just because of his performances in the IPL, but also due to his batting techniques and first-class statistics, which prove him to be a worthy contender in the listicle.

The Maharashtrian has played 21 first-class matches and has hit 1349 runs with a decent average of 38.54. He started his career in first-class cricket in 2016 as a No.3 batter. He definitely might be the future prospect of the Indian cricket team and might fit in the void left by Pujara.

<img loading="lazy" class="wp-image-412587 size-full" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Abhimanyu-Easwaran.jpg" alt="Abhimanyu Easwaran" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-412587" class="wp-caption-text">Abhimanyu Easwaran. (Photo Source: Instagram)</figcaption>

<a href="https://www.crictracker.com/the-abhimanyu-easwaran-conundrum-who-is-right/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Abhimanyu Easwaran</a>, the top-order batter from Bengal is a popular name in the domestic circuit. He has been playing first-class cricket since 2013 and made it to the Indian ‘A’ team after his bulk contribution of runs in the domestic seasons. On playing 65 first-class matches, he has scored 4504 runs with an astounding average of 44.15.

He has 14 hundreds and 18 fifties to his name in first-class cricket. He has the highest score of 233 runs and has a good defensive technique with his bat. This 26-year-old player was in the news recently for his century for the team &#8211; India ‘A’ against South Africa ‘A’ in South Africa.

His good experience and statistics while playing red-ball cricket might soon take him to represent the national side. Without a doubt, he&#8217;s a contender for Pujara’s spot.

In a fast-moving world, cricket has seen many evolutions to date, and the longest format of the sport – Test cricket – has still not lost its charm among the true cricket fans. Still, playing the oldest format of the game is a dream for all the cricketers who started to play this sport. The most important aspect of the format is patience and India’s Rahul Dravid is the cardinal paradigm of it.
He is fondly called the Wall of Indian cricket as he used to build an innings slowly and steadily brick by brick. Dravid, still, is the fourth highest run-getter in the Test matches. The Indian batting legend <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/to-go-past-harbhajan-singh-in-80-tests-is-phenomenal-rahul-dravid-hails-match-winner-ravi-ashwin/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Rahul Dravid</a> retired in 2012 after playing 164 Test matches for India. After his retirement, the void in the slot was teased to be filled by Cheteshwar Pujara as he also possessed defensive skills and good composure.
The modern-day wall managed to perform well in that spot and has led the team to many glories. But recently, this 33-year-old player seemed to be past his prime and is out of form. There have been calls to replace him in India’s Test team.
<h3>In the article, let’s take a look at the best three players to fit at No.3 if Pujara continues to fail</h3>
<h3>1. Hanuma Vihari</h3>
<figure id="attachment_398677" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-398677" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="wp-image-398677 size-full" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Hanuma-Vihari.jpg" alt="Hanuma Vihari" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-398677" class="wp-caption-text">Hanuma Vihari. (Photo by Kai Schwoerer/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
The classic Indian Test batter Hanuma Vihari is the top contender on the list. The batter hails from Andhra Pradesh and has extensive experience of playing first-class cricket. He is known for his equanimity and defensive batting techniques.
The 28-year-old player debuted for the Indian Test team in 2018 after his phenomenal record in first-class cricket. He has played 12 matches and has scored 624 runs with an average of 32.84. He holds a century and four half-centuries under his cap at present.
Unlike the other formats which need only the match winners, the Test matches need match savers. One of a kind player is Vihari and it’s evident from a few of his innings and particularly in his last appearance against <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/it-will-help-heal-the-wounds-from-cape-town-mark-taylor-on-steve-smith-being-appointed-as-australian-test-vice-captain/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Australia</a>, where he saved the drowning match with his 23 off 161 deliveries. He is a proven player and might be apt at No.3 for the future.

<h3>2. Ruturaj Gaikwad</h3>
<figure id="attachment_413288" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-413288" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="wp-image-413288 size-full" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Ruturaj-Gaikwad.jpg" alt="Ruturaj Gaikwad" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-413288" class="wp-caption-text">Ruturaj Gaikwad. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption></figure>
Ruturaj Gaikwad, the find of the Indian Premier League, is gradually stepping up the ladder after his sparkling performance for <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/ipl-2022-3-fast-bowlers-chennai-super-kings-should-target-in-mega-auction/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Chennai Super Kings</a>. He won the Orange Cap in 2021’s IPL and his elegant batting technique has made the fraternity amused.
Ruturaj has impressed everyone and already seems to be the future of Indian cricket. He isn’t in this list just because of his performances in the IPL, but also due to his batting techniques and first-class statistics, which prove him to be a worthy contender in the listicle.
The Maharashtrian has played 21 first-class matches and has hit 1349 runs with a decent average of 38.54. He started his career in first-class cricket in 2016 as a No.3 batter. He definitely might be the future prospect of the Indian cricket team and might fit in the void left by Pujara.

<h3>3. Abhimanyu Easwaran</h3>
<figure id="attachment_412587" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-412587" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="wp-image-412587 size-full" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Abhimanyu-Easwaran.jpg" alt="Abhimanyu Easwaran" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-412587" class="wp-caption-text">Abhimanyu Easwaran. (Photo Source: Instagram)</figcaption></figure>
<a href="https://www.crictracker.com/the-abhimanyu-easwaran-conundrum-who-is-right/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Abhimanyu Easwaran</a>, the top-order batter from Bengal is a popular name in the domestic circuit. He has been playing first-class cricket since 2013 and made it to the Indian ‘A’ team after his bulk contribution of runs in the domestic seasons. On playing 65 first-class matches, he has scored 4504 runs with an astounding average of 44.15.
He has 14 hundreds and 18 fifties to his name in first-class cricket. He has the highest score of 233 runs and has a good defensive technique with his bat. This 26-year-old player was in the news recently for his century for the team – India ‘A’ against South Africa ‘A’ in South Africa.
His good experience and statistics while playing red-ball cricket might soon take him to represent the national side. Without a doubt, he’s a contender for Pujara’s spot.

In a fast-moving world, cricket has seen many evolutions to date, and the longest format of the sport &#8211; Test cricket &#8211; has still not lost its charm among the true cricket fans. Still, playing the oldest format of the game is a dream for all the cricketers who started to play this sport. The most important aspect of the format is patience and India’s Rahul Dravid is the cardinal paradigm of it.
He is fondly called the Wall of Indian cricket as he used to build an innings slowly and steadily brick by brick. Dravid, still, is the fourth highest run-getter in the Test matches. The Indian batting legend <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/to-go-past-harbhajan-singh-in-80-tests-is-phenomenal-rahul-dravid-hails-match-winner-ravi-ashwin/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Rahul Dravid</a> retired in 2012 after playing 164 Test matches for India. After his retirement, the void in the slot was teased to be filled by Cheteshwar Pujara as he also possessed defensive skills and good composure.
The modern-day wall managed to perform well in that spot and has led the team to many glories. But recently, this 33-year-old player seemed to be past his prime and is out of form. There have been calls to replace him in India&#8217;s Test team.
<h3>In the article, let&#8217;s take a look at the best three players to fit at No.3 if Pujara continues to fail</h3>
<h3>1. Hanuma Vihari</h3>
<figure id="attachment_398677" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-398677" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="wp-image-398677 size-full" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Hanuma-Vihari.jpg" alt="Hanuma Vihari" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-398677" class="wp-caption-text">Hanuma Vihari. (Photo by Kai Schwoerer/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
The classic Indian Test batter Hanuma Vihari is the top contender on the list. The batter hails from Andhra Pradesh and has extensive experience of playing first-class cricket. He is known for his equanimity and defensive batting techniques.
The 28-year-old player debuted for the Indian Test team in 2018 after his phenomenal record in first-class cricket. He has played 12 matches and has scored 624 runs with an average of 32.84. He holds a century and four half-centuries under his cap at present.
Unlike the other formats which need only the match winners, the Test matches need match savers. One of a kind player is Vihari and it&#8217;s evident from a few of his innings and particularly in his last appearance against <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/it-will-help-heal-the-wounds-from-cape-town-mark-taylor-on-steve-smith-being-appointed-as-australian-test-vice-captain/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Australia</a>, where he saved the drowning match with his 23 off 161 deliveries. He is a proven player and might be apt at No.3 for the future.

<h3>2. Ruturaj Gaikwad</h3>
<figure id="attachment_413288" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-413288" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="wp-image-413288 size-full" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Ruturaj-Gaikwad.jpg" alt="Ruturaj Gaikwad" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-413288" class="wp-caption-text">Ruturaj Gaikwad. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption></figure>
Ruturaj Gaikwad, the find of the Indian Premier League, is gradually stepping up the ladder after his sparkling performance for <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/ipl-2022-3-fast-bowlers-chennai-super-kings-should-target-in-mega-auction/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Chennai Super Kings</a>. He won the Orange Cap in 2021’s IPL and his elegant batting technique has made the fraternity amused.
Ruturaj has impressed everyone and already seems to be the future of Indian cricket. He isn&#8217;t in this list just because of his performances in the IPL, but also due to his batting techniques and first-class statistics, which prove him to be a worthy contender in the listicle.
The Maharashtrian has played 21 first-class matches and has hit 1349 runs with a decent average of 38.54. He started his career in first-class cricket in 2016 as a No.3 batter. He definitely might be the future prospect of the Indian cricket team and might fit in the void left by Pujara.

<h3>3. Abhimanyu Easwaran</h3>
<figure id="attachment_412587" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-412587" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="wp-image-412587 size-full" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Abhimanyu-Easwaran.jpg" alt="Abhimanyu Easwaran" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-412587" class="wp-caption-text">Abhimanyu Easwaran. (Photo Source: Instagram)</figcaption></figure>
<a href="https://www.crictracker.com/the-abhimanyu-easwaran-conundrum-who-is-right/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Abhimanyu Easwaran</a>, the top-order batter from Bengal is a popular name in the domestic circuit. He has been playing first-class cricket since 2013 and made it to the Indian ‘A’ team after his bulk contribution of runs in the domestic seasons. On playing 65 first-class matches, he has scored 4504 runs with an astounding average of 44.15.
He has 14 hundreds and 18 fifties to his name in first-class cricket. He has the highest score of 233 runs and has a good defensive technique with his bat. This 26-year-old player was in the news recently for his century for the team &#8211; India ‘A’ against South Africa ‘A’ in South Africa.
His good experience and statistics while playing red-ball cricket might soon take him to represent the national side. Without a doubt, he&#8217;s a contender for Pujara’s spot.

Pujara has tended to strain a wee bit in Test cricket, although he is far from running out of steam.

3 probable contenders for Cheteshwar Pujara’s No.3 slot in the future

Cheteshwar Pujara has been a fulcrum of Team India for quite some time. However, he has tended to show consistency for the last 12 months