Former Indian opening batter
The transition will mark a significant shift for the national side, as they look to address a vacancy in the top order that has remained largely settled for the past 15 years. Jaffer, speaking on his YouTube channel, highlighted Varma’s adaptability and technical proficiency as the primary reasons he could successfully transition into the role long-term.
Versatility and Domestic Pedigree
Jaffer pointed to Varma’s ability to perform across various batting positions as a testament to his readiness for the challenge. While the youngster has demonstrated his capability in the middle order, his background in first-class cricket provides a solid foundation for the demands of the No. 3 spot. Jaffer noted that Varma’s capacity to adjust his game, having previously scored a century at No. 3 while also finding success at No. 5 and No. 6, is an essential quality for modern international cricket.
The former opener also suggested that the team might benefit from a left-handed presence at the first-drop position following the eventual departures of both Kohli and Rohit Sharma. With Yashasvi Jaiswal viewed as a natural successor to Rohit at the top of the order, Jaffer believes Varma fits the profile to complete a revamped top three. He emphasized Varma’s impressive first-class average of approximately 55 and his recent performances in the Duleep Trophy as evidence that he possesses the requisite skill set to thrive across all three formats.
The Path Ahead
Despite the endorsement, Varma’s experience in the ODI format remains relatively limited. He has featured in only four ODIs for India to date, with his appearances split across the No. 3, No. 4, and No. 5 positions. Across these outings, he has accumulated 68 runs at an average of 22.67. His most recent involvement in the format came during the December 2025 series against South Africa, a tour that also saw Ruturaj Gaikwad register a century while batting at No. 4.
While the search for a long-term replacement for Kohli remains a significant task for the Indian selectors, Jaffer’s assessment underscores the growing confidence in Varma’s potential to handle the pressures of international cricket. As the team looks toward the post-2027 era, the development of young talents like Varma will be central to maintaining the stability of the batting order.
