As per reports, Virat Kohli has suffered a groin strain and is set to miss the first ODI against England. The first of the three ODIs would take place at the Oval in London on July 12th. After winning the T20I series, Team India will be high on confidence against the Englishmen. However, the likely unavailability of Virat Kohli will be a big blow. Nevertheless, the management has a few options for the No.3 role if Virat Kohli misses out. In the below sections, we find out the two players who could play at No.3 if Virat Kohli misses the first ODI against England.
1) Shreyas Iyer
Team India does not have too many backup options for the middle-order if Virat Kohli is absent. However, if the player does not take part in the game, there is a ready replacement in the form of Shreyas Iyer.
In recent months, Iyer has done well at No.3. He himself has conceded that this position is the best for his style of batsmanship. Hence, in all likelihood, Iyer will take up the No.3 spot. The player has been struggling to score regularly in England. Hence, operating in this role in an ODI game could help his confidence. That said, in the past, the right-hander has often played at No.4. Therefore, it would not be a surprise if Rahul Dravid and co. have different ideas.
2) Suryakumar Yadav
Suryakumar Yadav is one of the players who could play at No.3 if Virat Kohli misses the first ODI against England. The middle-order batter is in terrific form at the moment. He recently scored a splendid century in the third T20I against England.
SKY would have anyways been part of the XI despite the presence of Virat Kohli. However, in the absence of the former India skipper, Suryakumar Yadav could play at No.3. With Virat in the XI, SKY might have played at No.4 or No.5. However, with the Mumbai cricketer in top form, the management might be inclined to give him the No.3 role in ODIs. It will help India to maintain its new approach of showing intent with the willow.
