Who is the best No. 3 option for India vs Sri Lanka?

India head into the first Test against Sri Lanka at Galle on August 15 with a key question still unanswered in their batting order. The No. 3 slot is vacant after Sai Sudharsan was ruled out of the series with a foot injury, forcing the selectors to bring Sarfaraz Khan back into the squad.

With the Indian skipper Shubman Gill set to bat at number four with Yashasvi Jaiswal being the designated opener alongside vice-captain KL Rahul, the middle of the order needs a settled presence at number three in the absence of the injured Sai Sudharsan, someone who had taken up the role since the England tour in 2025.

Sarfaraz Khan was brought back into India's Test squad specifically because Sudharsan failed to recover from a right-toe stress reaction. He is a recognised middle-order batter with Test experience and has the temperament to handle pressure situations. He has a stellar first-class average of 64.73 while having scored three fifties and one century in six Tests, averaging 37.10 in the India whites.

While Sarfaraz has typically batted lower in the order, his return to the squad means he is available for selection at any position the team management chooses. His inclusion gives India an extra batting option and the flexibility to push him up the order if needed.