Jaffer backs Tilak Varma as a potential No. 3 successor to Virat Kohli

On October 4, 2026, former India opener Wasim Jaffer said on his YouTube channel that Tilak Varma has the qualities to succeed Virat Kohli at No. 3 when Kohli plays his final World Cup in 2027. Jaffer highlighted Varma's adaptability and recent domestic form as reasons for his endorsement.

Tilak has already appeared for India at Nos. 3, 4 and 5 in ODIs and taken on varied roles in T20s, a versatility Jaffer praised directly. "It feels great to see his versatility. He previously scored a century at No. 3, and now he has adapted to the No. 5 and No. 6 positions so beautifully. This is an amazing quality," Jaffer said on his YouTube channel.

Jaffer also pointed to Varma's first-class numbers and his Duleep Trophy contributions as evidence of his multi-format potential. "When Virat and Rohit leave, Rohit, obviously, is a top-order batter, and Yashasvi Jaiswal is there to replace him, but I feel there will be a left-handed batter in Virat's place. He has that game; we saw the way he scored runs in the Duleep Trophy. His first-class average is around 55. So, he can fit into all three formats pretty easily," Jaffer said.

Statistically, Tilak has played four ODIs for India, scoring 68 runs at an average of 22.67. He has batted twice at No. 3 and once each at No. 4 and No. 5, with his most recent ODI appearance coming against South Africa in December 2025.

Kohli has confirmed the 2027 World Cup will be his final appearance in the tournament. "For me, it's the last World Cup I'm going to play for India," Kohli told broadcaster JioStar on Saturday, and he added, "The intensity of a 50-over World Cup is greater than anything. Because now, it's about 10 games at a Twenty20 level of intensity," he said.

Jaffer commented separately on opening prospect Abhishek Sharma's development, saying the youngster has become more measured in his approach. "It seems that Abhishek has matured a bit. He takes a little time, and the assurance is visible now, although this format doesn't give you a lot of time. His earlier approach was to try to hit a six on the first ball. Now, he has understood that it was the wrong approach," Jaffer said.

Tilak is not the only name under consideration for the No. 3 berth; Ruturaj Gaikwad and Shubman Gill remain possible options. "Gill has already shown that he can adapt to a new role. He began his Test career as an opener before moving into the No. 4 position following Kohli's departure and performing strongly," the article noted.

The 2027 tournament will be Kohli's fifth ODI World Cup, and Kohli has stated his objective for the event: "the goal is absolutely to win the World Cup and whatever it takes, I'm absolutely ready," he added.