Cheteshwar Pujara was excluded from Team India for the upcoming Test series against West Indies. Some of the options who could replace him at No.3 include Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shubman Gill and Ajinkya Rahane. However, none of these options has operated much in this role before. Instead of making their role complex, India could try out some other interesting options for this position. Here, we take a look at two out-of-the-box options India could try at No.3 in the West Indies Test series.
1) KS Bharat
KS Bharat has not stepped up with the bat so far for Team India. The time is running out for him. Yes, he is a wicket-keeper but it might be a bad option to have him at No.3. He has batted in the top-order for his state and he does have a solid technique. If he can apply himself with some of the experienced batters around him, he might actually come good. In the long run, it is difficult to expect a keeper bat at No.3 but the game is evolving and Bharat himself might be inclined to take up this challenge.
2) Ravindra Jadeja
Ravindra Jadeja is one of the out-of-the-box options India could try at No.3 in the West Indies Test series. In recent times, Jaddu has saved India on many occasions. He has usually batted at No.6 or below. One complain about him has been that he does not do well when he bats with the tail. Therefore, to avoid this situation, Jaddu can be tried at No.3. It is not exactly sure how he might turn up against a relatively new ball but it might be a worthy option to try him. With this, India can also have a left-hander in the top-order.
