Top 3 batting options for India at number three in Shubman Gill’s place on England Tour

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The Indian cricket team is gearing up for a challenging five-match Test series against England, set to begin in June 2025. Playing in English conditions is always a stern test for any batting lineup, with the ball swinging and seaming under cloudy skies, and the pitches demanding both technique and temperament from visiting batters. As India embarks on this crucial World Test Championship campaign, one of the biggest talking points is the number three batting position-a spot currently occupied by Shubman Gill.

Gill, hailed as one of India’s brightest young talents, has delivered some memorable performances at home. However, his overseas record in Test cricket has left much to be desired. While Gill averages a healthy 42.03 in home Tests, his average drops dramatically to just 23.8 across nine Tests in England, Bangladesh, West Indies, South Africa, and Australia. Since his breakout innings at the Gabba in 2021, Gill has managed only one Test century outside India, and he is yet to register a hundred in any SENA country. His lack of consistency and inability to convert starts into big scores in challenging conditions have raised questions about his suitability for the pivotal number three spot, especially on England’s testing pitches.

With India seeking stability and experience at the top of the order, here are three players who could potentially replace Gill at number three in the upcoming series.

KL Rahul stands out as the most experienced and versatile candidate to slot in at number three. Having opened the batting in various conditions, Rahul possesses the technique and temperament required to handle the swinging Dukes ball in England. He has previously scored a memorable century at Lord’s and has a proven track record of adapting his game to suit different roles and situations.

Rahul’s ability to play both pace and spin with equal ease, coupled with his experience of playing in England, makes him a strong contender. His calm presence and leadership qualities could also provide much-needed solidity to the Indian top order, especially if early wickets fall. With his recent form in domestic and international cricket showing promise, Rahul’s return to the number three slot could offer India both reliability and flair.

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Sai Sudharsan is an exciting young left-hander who has made waves in domestic cricket with his consistency and composure. While he is yet to debut in Test cricket, Sudharsan’s performances in the Ranji Trophy and India A tours have caught the selectors’ attention. His ability to bat long, build innings, and handle both pace and swing makes him an intriguing option for the number three position.

Sudharsan’s left-handedness also brings a strategic advantage, breaking the monotony of right-handers at the top and potentially disrupting England’s bowling plans. If India is looking to invest in youth and groom a long-term number three, Sudharsan’s temperament and hunger for runs could make him an ideal candidate to step up on the big stage.

Karun Nair, once celebrated for his historic triple century against England in 2016, has staged a remarkable comeback in domestic cricket. After a prolonged absence from the Test side, Nair has piled up runs across formats, finishing as one of the top scorers in the 2024-25 Ranji Trophy with 863 runs at an average of 53.93, including four hundreds. His experience in English conditions, having played county cricket for Northamptonshire, adds further value to his case.

Former India coach Anil Kumble has publicly backed Nair as an ideal replacement in the middle order, citing his experience and recent form. Nair’s ability to play long innings, coupled with his familiarity with English pitches, makes him a strong candidate to provide stability and experience at number three. If given another opportunity, Nair could bring both hunger and maturity to India’s batting lineup.

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