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Will Shubman Gill Move to No. 3 After Virat Kohli? India’s Next Big ODI Transition Could Be Closer Than It Appears
With Shubman Gill thriving as an opener and Virat Kohli still dominating at No. 3, Indian cricket faces an intriguing question ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup.
For more than a decade, the No. 3 position in India’s ODI batting lineup has belonged to one man—Virat Kohli . The former Indian captain transformed the role into one of the most crucial positions in modern one-day cricket, often steering India out of trouble and chasing down daunting targets with remarkable consistency.
But as Indian cricket gradually prepares for life beyond its golden generation, a fascinating debate has begun to emerge: Is Shubman Gill the natural successor to Kohli at No. 3?
The discussion isn’t without merit.
Gill has rapidly evolved into one of the finest ODI batters in world cricket. Since making his ODI debut in 2019, the stylish right-hander has accumulated more than 3,000 runs while maintaining an average above 57. His ability to combine elegance with efficiency has made him a cornerstone of India’s white-ball setup.
What makes his rise even more significant is the leadership responsibility already placed on his shoulders. After being entrusted with India’s Test captaincy in 2025 and later taking over as ODI skipper, Gill has become one of the central figures in India’s long-term plans alongside head coach Gautam Gambhir .
Yet, despite his success, Gill’s ODI career has largely been built at the top of the order.
Most of his innings have come as an opener, a position where he has flourished by taking advantage of fielding restrictions and setting the tone for the innings. However, his limited appearances at No. 3 have also produced encouraging results, suggesting he possesses the technical qualities required for the role.
The comparison with Kohli is impossible to ignore.
Like the Indian legend, Gill is comfortable against both pace and spin. He rotates strike effectively, runs hard between the wickets, and has the temperament to build long innings. These are attributes that have historically defined successful No. 3 batters in ODI cricket.
The role itself demands adaptability. A batter at No. 3 may walk in during the first over after an early wicket or enter the crease after a solid opening partnership. Gill’s versatility and calm approach make him a strong candidate to handle such varying match situations.
However, there is one major reason why India is unlikely to make that move anytime soon.
Simply put, Virat Kohli is still delivering.
Despite stepping away from Test and T20I cricket, Kohli remains fully focused on ODI cricket and is expected to play a significant role in India’s quest for the 2027 ODI World Cup. As long as he continues to perform at the highest level, there is little incentive for the team management to alter a formula that has served India exceptionally well.
Cricket history offers plenty of examples where successful combinations were maintained until a natural transition became unavoidable. The Indian team may choose a similar path, allowing Kohli to continue in his preferred position while grooming future options behind the scenes.
That future could become particularly interesting because of the abundance of opening talent emerging in Indian cricket.
Players such as Abhishek Sharma , Yashasvi Jaiswal Vaibhav Sooryavanshi , Priyansh Arya , and Prabhsimran Singh are all pushing for opportunities at the highest level. If Gill eventually shifts to No. 3, it could open the door for one of these emerging stars to establish themselves as India’s next long-term opener.
Such a move would not only help India plan for the future but also create greater flexibility in team selection ahead of major ICC tournaments.
For now, though, the answer appears straightforward.
India does not need to replace Virat Kohli at No. 3 while he remains one of the world’s most dependable ODI batters. But when the time comes for the batting order to evolve, Shubman Gill looks better positioned than anyone else to inherit one of the most prestigious spots in Indian cricket.
The transition may not happen today. It may not happen tomorrow. But all signs suggest that whenever India’s next chapter begins, Shubman Gill could be the man writing it from the No. 3 position.
