With the Indian Test team undergoing a major reshuffle following the retirements of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, former India opener Wasim Jaffer has suggested a new batting order to help ease the transition. Jaffer believes Shubman Gill is best suited to take over Kohli’s position at No. 4, while Sai Sudharsan should be backed for the crucial No. 3 role in red-ball cricket.
“Why change something that is not broken?” says Jaffer
Speaking to The Times of India, Jaffer emphasized that KL Rahul, who has delivered strong performances as an opener, should not be moved down the order. Instead, he proposes a more balanced batting order.
“I guess Shubman could be the guy. He opens in white-ball cricket, but in Test cricket, he needs to move down to 4. KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal have done well as openers… Why change something that is not broken? Sai Sudharsan looks assured and should be given a longer rope at No. 3,” Jaffer said.
This approach offers stability at the top and allows Gill to settle into the middle order, where the team needs a solid replacement for Kohli.
Gill at No. 4: A Natural Fit or a Risk?
Gill has shown recent form at No. 3 with three centuries in the last 15 months, all scored in home conditions. However, his overseas record raises concerns. On foreign soil, particularly during the tours of Australia and England, Gill struggled with the moving ball. He averages just 19 in 12 overseas innings, with no fifties and a disappointing series in England where he scored only 88 runs in three matches.
Despite this, Jaffer feels that Gill’s technique and temperament can be better utilized in the middle order, giving him more time to assess conditions and build an innings.
Sudharsan: A Promising No. 3 Candidate
Sai Sudharsan has been making waves with his performances in domestic and county cricket. He scored a century for Surrey in the County Championship batting at No. 6 and a double century for Tamil Nadu in the Ranji Trophy. These performances in English conditions could prove valuable as India heads into the new World Test Championship cycle.
While the final batting order will depend on team management and the selectors, Jaffer’s suggestion offers a practical balance between youth, form, and experience, as India prepares for its upcoming Test challenges, starting with the five-match series against England.
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