Former India opener Wasim Jaffer has backed Tilak Varma to become India’s long-term number three in ODI cricket, succeeding Virat Kohli in the role.

Kohli has owned the number three spot for over a decade. With the 2027 World Cup on the horizon, India need to plan for the transition. Jaffer believes Tilak has the temperament and technique to take over.

The young left-hander has already shown he can handle pressure in international cricket. His ability to play spin and pace, and to rotate the strike in the middle overs, makes him a strong fit for the position.

Finding a successor to one of India’s greatest batters is never easy. But Jaffer feels Tilak’s calm approach at the crease and big-match performances suggest he is ready for a bigger role in the batting order.

Kohli’s numbers at number three are unmatched in the modern game, with over 10,000 ODI runs in the position. The transition will be gradual, with Tilak likely getting chances in bilateral series first. Team management has often used the number three slot to groom future leaders, which could work in the young left-hander’s favour.