For over two decades, barring the odd Test match, India’s number three spots were occupied and made impregnable by Rahul Dravid and Cheteshwar Pujara. The former occupied the number three spot regularly from November 1996 to January 2012, after which the latter took over and was the most consistent number one-drop until June 2023.

Since the time the selectors decided to move on from Pujara after the 2023 WTC final, the position has become a revolving door , with as many as seven batters tried, but not one of them has nailed the spot to make it their own.

Here’s a look at the players who have batted at number three in the last two years:

SHUBMAN GILL (July 2023-May 2025)

The Indian Test captain was demoted from his regular opening spot to number three after the 2023 WTC final defeat.

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