Wasim Jaffer has made a big call on India’s future ODI batting order, backing Tilak Varma as a possible successor to Virat Kohli at the crucial No. 3 position. Jaffer believes that India could benefit from having a left-handed batter in that role once Virat Kohli eventually steps away from the game.
His comments came after Tilak smashed a stunning unbeaten 51 off just 22 balls against Pakistan in the Asian Games 2026 final. The young batter showed his ability to play different roles and helped India win the gold medal in the Asian Games 2026 on Saturday, October 3.
The former Indian batter Wasim Jaffer has pointed out Tilak Varma’s ability to bat at different positions. The left-hander has already scored a century at No. 3 and has also adapted well to batting at No. 5 and No. 6.
Jaffer feels Tilak Varma can become an important player across all three formats. Earlier, Sunil Gavaskar sets special century target for Rohit Sharma ahead of 2027 World Cup.
With Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli eventually retiring from international cricket after the ICC ODI World Cup 2027, Jaffer has noted that Tilak Varma and Yashasvi Jaiswal are the best options to replace the former Indian captains at the top and No. 3 positions in the ODI line-up.
Jaffer names Tilak Varma and Yashasvi Jaiswal as Rohit Sharma-Virat Kohli replacements
Wasim Jaffer said in a video posted on his YouTube channel, “It feels great to see his versatility. He previously scored a century at No. 3, and now he has adapted to the No. 5 and No. 6 positions so beautifully. This is an amazing quality. It's about time.”
The cricket pandit continued, “When Virat and Rohit leave, Rohit, obviously, is a top-order batter, and Yashasvi Jaiswal is there to replace him, but I feel there will be a left-handed batter in Virat's place. He has that game; we saw the way he scored runs in the Duleep Trophy. His first-class average is around 55. So, he can fit into all three formats pretty easily.”
Wasim Jaffer hails Abhishek Sharma’s transformation after match-winning knock against Pakistan
Jaffer also praised Abhishek Sharma for becoming a more mature batter. The 26-year-old earlier had a habit of trying to hit a big shot from the first ball, but he has now started giving himself some time before attacking. Abhishek showed this change against Pakistan.
After India lost Vaibhav Suryavanshi for 15 off 9 and Sanju Samson early, the left-handed batter took control of the innings and smashed 61 off just 28 balls. He hit seven sixes and three fours at a stunning strike rate of 217.86 on a difficult pitch.
His knock played a major role in India reaching 211/6 before their bowlers restricted Pakistan to 192/6 and secured the Asian Games gold medal on Saturday. Amid this, KL Rahul crowned "most versatile cricketer" by Aakash Chopra.
Jaffer signed off by saying, “It seems that Abhishek has matured a bit. He takes a little time, and the assurance is visible now, although this format doesn't give you a lot of time. His earlier approach was to try to hit a six on the first ball. Now, he has understood that it was the wrong approach.”
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