Why search for a solid No.3 continues in post-Cheteshwar Pujara era

India's search for a stable No.3 batter continues in the post-Cheteshwar Pujara era, as the team faces multiple tests against Sri Lanka in Galle. The current World Test Championship (WTC) cycle has led to a third different batter taking the No.3 spot in three successive matches. Cheteshwar Pujara, the previous No.3, has been a pillar for India for 27 years, alongside Rahul Dravid, who together amassed 42 percent of all Test runs for India as the No.3 batter.

However, since Pujara's final Test appearance in June 2023, India has yet to find their next great No.3. Shubman Gill, who initially took over the No.3 spot in 2023, has scored a century at the position but is not considered to match Pujara's legacy. India has seen six other No.3 batters since then, who have yielded 673 runs in 24 innings at a 28.04 average with four half-centuries.

The current Indian No.3 contender, former captain Virat Kohli, has scored 972 runs in 29 innings at 37.38, including three centuries. With the appointment of new batting coach Sitanshu Kotak, the focus has shifted towards finding a balance between batting and bowling to win matches, with an emphasis on posting 550-600 runs.