Archive · 5 Oct 2026
Wasim Jaffer Backs Tilak Varma as Kohli’s ODI Successor
Virat Kohli bats at number three for India in one-day cricket.
He has said the 2027 World Cup will be his last.
Former India cricketer Wasim Jaffer thinks Tilak Varma could take his place.
Jaffer says Tilak has scored a century at number three and has also adapted to batting at numbers five and six.
He pointed to Tilak’s runs in the Duleep Trophy and his first-class average of around 55.
Jaffer thinks Yashasvi Jaiswal could take Rohit Sharma’s place near the top of the order.
He also said opener Abhishek Sharma now seems more patient and mature.
These are Jaffer’s opinions, not an announced change to India’s team.
Wasim Jaffer has backed Tilak Varma to succeed Virat Kohli at No. 3 in ODIs.
Jaffer cited Varma’s century at No. 3 and his adaptability at Nos. 5 and 6.
Jaffer pointed to Varma’s Duleep Trophy runs and first-class average of around 55.
Jaffer said Yashasvi Jaiswal could replace Rohit Sharma at the top of the order.
Jaffer also praised Abhishek Sharma for becoming more mature and measured in his batting approach.
- Who
- Former Indian cricketer Wasim Jaffer endorsed Tilak Varma as a possible successor to Virat Kohli at No. 3.
- What
- Jaffer cited Varma’s versatility and record, and commented on Yashasvi Jaiswal and Abhishek Sharma.
- When
- Jaffer’s comments concern Kohli’s stated final ODI World Cup, in 2027.
- Where
- Jaffer shared his comments on his YouTube channel.
- Why
- Jaffer said Varma has shown he can bat at No. 3 and adapt to other positions, with a strong first-class record.
Jaffer’s proposed batting succession
Other possible No. 3 candidates
Who could replace Kohli at No. 3
Jaffer’s proposed batting succession
Jaffer backs left-handed batter Tilak Varma, citing his versatility, Duleep Trophy runs and first-class average.
Other possible No. 3 candidates
The articles mention Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ishan Kishan and Devdutt Padikkal as other names, but do not present endorsements of them for Kohli’s position; Jaffer instead links Jaiswal with replacing Rohit Sharma at the top.
- Suggested successor at No. 3
- Tilak Varma
- Current batter at No. 3
- Virat Kohli
- Person making the suggestion
- Wasim Jaffer
- Positions Varma has batted
- Nos. 3, 5 and 6
- Varma’s reported first-class average
- Around 55
- Possible replacement for Rohit Sharma
- Yashasvi Jaiswal, according to Jaffer
- Kohli’s stated final ODI World Cup
- 2027
