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Virat Kohli's ODI snub evident; Players India can pick as replacements before 2027 World Cup

Debashis Sarangi

Virat Kohli recorded 2nd successive duck vs AUS [Source: AFP]Virat Kohli recorded 2nd successive duck vs AUS [Source: AFP]

Talismanic Indian batter Virat Kohli had another forgettable outing in the ODI series against Australia. Kohli, who fell for an eight-ball duck in the first ODI, once again failed to open his account, being dismissed by Xavier Bartlett for zero runs. It was a full-length delivery from Bartlett, as Kohli was struck on his front pad while trying to negotiate the movement by shuffling a long way across the stumps. As the Australian players appealed for a leg before wicket, the umpire raised his finger, prompting Kohli to walk back to the dugout. 

Virat Kohli's ODI retirement buzz intensifies after 2nd duck vs AUS

Virat Kohli, one of the greatest-ever ODI players, hasn't quite been at his best in the format for quite a while now. Statistically, Kohli has managed only 333 runs at a mediocre average of 33.30 and a strike rate of 82.63 across eleven innings since the start of 2024. 

Additionally, the BCCI selection committee chief, Ajit Agarkar, has made it clear that Kohli is not committed to playing the 2027 World Cup. The right-handed batter has already retired from Tests and T20Is. As per several reports, the BCCI wants him to play in the domestic ODI competitions to keep himself game-ready. 

Given the fact that Kohli is at the fag end of his career and has struggled a lot on the Australia tour, it won't be surprising if Kohli hangs up his boots before the 2027 World Cup. In such a scenario, here are three players whom India can groom as their future number three, keeping the World Cup in mind. 

Players who can replace Virat Kohli in India's ODI squad

Tilak Varma

  • Hyderabad's Tilak Varma played a pivotal role in India's Asia Cup win, slamming a magnificent fifty under pressure in the final. Like Kohli, Tilak Varma brilliantly adapts to different match situations and paces his game accordingly. 
  • The southpaw can steady the ship with his stoic technique and can stun the opponents with his 360-degree stroke play upon getting set. Tilak has already cemented his place in the T20I side. Talking about his 50-over career, he has played 41 List-A matches, scoring 1645 runs at a superb average of 45.69 and a strike rate of 93.35. 
  • If India persist with Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal as their openers, Tilak Varma can be a dynamic option to replace Kohli at number three in the ODI team. 

B Sai Sudharsan

Criterion
Data
Innings27
Runs1396
Average60.69
Strike Rate95.61
50s/100s6/6

(Sai Sudharsan has exceptional numbers in white-ball cricket)

  • B Sai Sudharsan is a prolific anchor in white-ball cricket. The young left-handed batter's elegance makes him a natural replacement for Kohli at number three. 
  • Sudharsan enjoyed stellar success in the IPL 2025, claiming the orange cap with 759 runs in 15 innings at a superb average of 54.21. He is one of the most reliable batters in the domestic circuit, having amassed 1396 runs at an average of 60.69 and a strike rate of 95.61. 
  • He has slammed twelve fifty-plus scores in just 27 List-A innings, highlighting his consistency in the format. So, Sudharsan could be an appropriate choice to replace Kohli if the BCCI selection committee rewards him for his consistency. 

Ruturaj Gaikwad

  • Experienced Maharashtra batter Ruturaj Gaikwad hasn't been in India's scheme of things for quite a while now. However, if Virat Kohli leaves ODI cricket, India might recall Gaikwad, considering his immense potential to dominate the 50-over format. 
  • Gaikwad plays with an orthodox approach like Kohli in ODI cricket. He initially takes a bit of time before exploring scoring opportunities all around the park. The Chennai Super Kings skipper has a solid record in List-A cricket, scoring 4324 runs at an average of 56.15 and a strike rate of 101.66. 
  • More importantly, Gaikwad's ability to tackle pace and spin effectively could make him a valuable addition to the Indian ODI setup. 

Conclusion

With Virat Kohli nearing the end of his ODI career, Gaikwad, Sudharsan and Tilak Varma seem the most perfect candidates to replace him at three in the Indian team. However, if Rohit Sharma joins Kohli on the retired players' list and the Indian think tank brings Abhishek Sharma to open with Yashasvi Jaiswal, we might also witness Shubman Gill dropping himself down to number three as Kohli's successor.