5 Players who can be India's number three in Tests

The Indian Test squad for the upcoming two-match home Test series vs Sri Lanka was announced recently. The 18-member squad was highlighted by two major exclusions in senior batters Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane. With both Test veterans going through a lengthy lean patch, their axing from the side was on the cards given the selectors are looking to give the next crop of Indian batters a chance at proving their abilities. With India’s long-term Test number three, Cheteshwar Pujara, losing out on his spot in the team, the crucial slot in India’s batting lineup is now wide open. Pujara, for the longest time, has been guarding the number three position and has come up with many exceptional innings batting one down in the Indian batting lineup. Even though it will be a challenge for India’s next number three batter to fill into Pujara’s shoes, here’s looking at – 5 Players who can be potential candidates for India’s number three in Tests 1. KL Rahul KL Rahul. (Photo Source: Getty Images) Though KL Rahul has been performing the role of an opener pretty well for the Indian team, he surely can ace a different role equally well, if and when required.Rahul has been playing in Indian colours for several years now and has the experience to be the mainstay in India’s batting order. Having already led the team in the past, the elegant batter is more than capable of shouldering the extra responsibility.In terms of skill set, the right-handed batter has it all covered. He is solid in defense and exquisite in his stroke play. With plenty of shots in his armory, the 28-year-old can be a brilliant number three option. The fact that India has proven backup openers in Mayank Agarwal and Shubman Gill, India should further endorse the possibility of Rahul batting at three going ahead. 2. Shreyas Iyer Shreyas Iyer. (Photo Source: BCCI) Shreyas Iyer had a rollicking start to his Test career scoring a match-defining century in his debut Test against New Zealand in Kanpur. The Mumbai batter is viewed by many as a player with special abilities and a big stage temperament. Iyer is capable of playing the long innings as well as dominating the opposition when required.The 27-year-old has the perfect skill set required with not too many chinks in his armour apparent. The right-handed batter does not get flustered easily and could be the perfect man to come in for India in a scenario where an early wicket falls.The Indian team management has a great opportunity to groom the youngster into being India’s long-term number three and optimize his talent. 3. Virat Kohli Virat Kohli. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images) What Virat Kohli can do with the bat is well documented. He is one player who does not need much endorsement from anyone. The former Indian captain has been a prolific run-scorer for the team and has been out and out match-winner. The veteran batter, who would soon be playing his 100th Test in Bengaluru, could well be slotted into a different role, going ahead in his career. All these years, Kohli has majorly batted at four for India. However, given the experience and quality he brings, it might be a good idea to let him cover the number three slot going forward. The senior batter can take charge of the innings batting in the top order and could also anchor an inexperienced Indian middle order. With the hunger for big runs and as someone who thrives under new challenges, this could prove to be the perfect opportunity for Kohli to add another feather to his cap, albeit in a different role. 4. Hanuma Vihari Hanuma Vihari of India. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images) Though Hanuma Vihari has got limited opportunities to feature in India’s playing XI, he has converted a majority of those chances into significant performances. Be it his marathon match-saving knock at the Gabba or several significant contributions batting with the tail, Vihari has never shied away from taking the responsibility and contributing to the team’s cause.In his short Test career so far, Vihari has shown that he does possess the technique to make one of the most important batting positions his own. The role of a number three batter is usually to anchor the innings, which the Hyderabad batter appears to be capable of. Having been around the Indian team for a while now, the 28-year-old should have had a good idea of what it takes to be consistent at the highest level and could well put those learnings into action if given the chance. 5. Shubman Gill Shubman Gill. (Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images) One of the prodigal kids of Indian cricket, Shubman Gill, has already shown that he possesses the temperament required to play at the highest level. Having performed in tough playing conditions overseas, Gill has endorsed his case of being a regular in India’s Test XI. However, the 22-year-old does appear to be suspect against good seam/swing bowling upfront. It thus might not be a bad call considering both Gill and the team’s requirement, to have him bat at three for India.Having the chance to slot in between senior batters like Kohli and Rohit Sharma could do a world of wonder for Gill and bring the best out of him.

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5 Players who can be India's number three in Tests

Pujara, for the longest time, was guarding the number three position for India.

2. Shreyas Iyer

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