3 players who can replace Virat Kohli at No. 3 in India's ODI XI ahead of 2027 World Cup ft. Sai Sudharsan

Now retired from Tests and T20Is, Virat Kohli will only play ODIs for India going forward. The 36-year-old has shown no signs of slowing down in the 50-over format, having had a prolific World Cup campaign and won the Champions Trophy in the last two years.

However, reports have filtered in claiming that India are not certain about Kohli's future with the ODI side. Gautam Gambhir and the think tank reportedly want to start their preparation for the 2027 World Cup with a young side, and the superstar batter's lack of top-level cricket could work against him in the future.

If the BCCI decide to drop Kohli from the ODI side, they shouldn't have too many problems while trying to replace him. Although the No. 3 batter is one of the best in the world - and has been for over a decade - there are a number of quality options waiting in the wings.

On that note, here are three players who can replace Virat Kohli at No. 3 in India's ODI XI ahead of the 2027 World Cup.

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#3 Tilak Varma

Hampshire v Essex - Men's Metro Bank One Day Cup - Source: Getty

Tilak Varma has been in and around the ODI side without ever seeming like he'll break in and seal a spot in the playing XI. He was touted to be a dark horse to be picked in the team ahead of the 2023 World Cup, but two years later, he's still no closer to nailing his role.

If India want to move on from Kohli, Tilak would certainly be in the reckoning. The southpaw has done well at the position in T20Is and clearly has the appetite to play longer knocks. He has a List A average above 52 and has been in excellent form in domestic white-ball cricket lately.

India have long searched for a left-hander in the ODI middle order, and Tilak would fit that bill. So would...

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#2 Sai Sudharsan

South Africa v India - 3rd One Day International - Source: Getty

A batter who is technically solid and extremely consistent, Sai Sudharsan seems made for the ODI format. He made his debut for the country a while ago, but chances have been hard to come by for the classy left-hander.

Sai Sudharsan's List A average is even more impressive at an imposing 60.69, and more importantly, he passes the eye test with flying colors. He showed an improved tempo while maintaining his prolific run-scoring in the 2025 Indian Premier League, finishing the season with the Orange Cap.

Sai Sudharsan is assured against both pace and spin, and it seems like only a matter of time before he makes the ODI format his own.

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#1 Shreyas Iyer

India v New Zealand: Final - ICC Champions Trophy 2025 - Source: Getty

One of India's most consistent ODI batters, Shreyas Iyer might be ready for a move up to No. 3 if the team want to move on from Kohli. This would open up middle-order slots for the likes of Tilak, Rishabh Pant and maybe even Ruturaj Gaikwad.

Shreyas played an integral role in India's campaigns in the 2023 World Cup and 2025 Champions Trophy. Having worked extensively on his pace game, the right-hander has shown a great degree of improvement against hard lengths and high pace, all while sustaining his efficiency against spin.

Shreyas has made himself undroppable, and if India are without Kohli, his importance to the side will only increase.