For almost three decades, the number three position in Tests was safely handled by legends like Rahul Dravid and Cheteshwar Pujara. But now, India's crucial position is wide open, and a fierce battle has begun following the 0-2 hammering at the hands of South Africa at home.
Read Also: Ian Botham warns England of 0-5 danger in Ashes 2025-26 after Perth Test disaster
Ruturaj Gaikwad emerges No. 3 favourite as India eyes a major Test rebuild
As reported by PTI, India’s domestic cricket stars Ruturaj Gaikwad, Rajat Patidar, and Rinku Singh have been shortlisted for Test opportunities. Gaikwad has become a strong favorite. He has a first-class average above 45 in 43 matches and has already scored two hundreds and a ninety-plus knock in the ongoing Ranji Trophy 2025-26.
With an average above 45 across 74 first-class games, Patidar is likely to get his India chance soon in Tests. Even Rinku Singh brings the most dramatic numbers. With a near-60 first-class average in 52 games, the explosive batter stands out as one of India’s most consistent red-ball players.
His hunger and reliability could solve India’s middle-order troubles. There is also excitement around young talents like Smaran Ravichandran, who has a stunning first-class average of 78, and Yash Rathod, who scored 960 runs in the last Ranji season. But they are being seen more as future middle-order options.
Nitish Kumar Reddy is not the future of India’s Test team
Meanwhile, the debate around all-rounders has intensified. Nitish Kumar Reddy’s test average of 26 and limited bowling workload suggest that he may not be the long-term answer. The feeling growing inside the Indian camp is that the team must return to proper specialists instead of experimenting with bits-and-pieces options.
He signed off by saying, “You will be a fool if you take every Gauti statement at face value. He can be ruthless if there's non-performance. Before you know it, you might see Sudharsan and Reddy fall by the wayside come 2026. He only backs performers.”
Hence then, the article about ruturaj gaikwad rajat patidar rinku singh fight for no 3 spot in india test xi sarfaraz khan kicked out was published today ( ) and is available on cricketaddictor ( Middle East ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( Ruturaj Gaikwad, Rajat Patidar, Rinku Singh fight for No.3 spot in India Test XI; Sarfaraz Khan kicked out )
Also on site :