India's number 3 batting position since Cheteshwar Pujara was dropped, along with a comparison of his stats.
Cheteshwar Pujara's Stats at No. 3
Cheteshwar Pujara was a cornerstone of the Indian Test team at the number 3 position for over a decade, following the legacy of Rahul Dravid. His approach was defined by patience, grit, and the ability to wear down opposition bowlers, which was crucial for India's success, particularly in overseas victories.
Career Test Stats (primarily at No. 3):
Matches: 103 Tests
Runs: 7,195
Average: 43.60
Centuries: 19
Balls Faced: He is the only Indian to have faced over 500 balls in a single Test innings (525 balls for his 202 against Australia in Ranchi, 2017). His ability to soak up pressure and bat for long periods was a key asset.
The "Musical Chairs" at No. 3 Since Pujara's Departure
Following his last Test for India in the World Test Championship final in June 2023, the number 3 slot has seen multiple players tried out, and a clear successor has not yet been established. The term "musical chairs" accurately describes the situation.
Players who have played at No. 3 (since 2023):
Shubman Gill: He was given the opportunity to bat at this position, a move he reportedly desired.
Sai Sudharsan: He has been tried at the No. 3 spot in some recent Tests.
Karun Nair: He has also been given a chance to fill the role.
KL Rahul and Devdutt Padikkal: These players have also featured in the No. 3 spot.
Statistical Analysis: Pujara vs. His Successors
A direct comparison of stats reveals the void left by Pujara's departure.
Collective Stats of No. 3 Batsmen (since Pujara's last Test in June 2023):
In the 24 matches after Pujara's last Test, Indian number 3 batsmen have a combined average of 31.95.
This is only slightly better than Pujara's own stats in his final 24 Tests, where he averaged 31.51, a period considered to be a sharp dip in his career form.
Cheteshwar Pujara's Balls Per Dismissal (BPD) vs. Successors:
During his career, Pujara had a balls per dismissal (BPD) of 98.3, placing him among the most difficult batsmen to dislodge in world cricket.
In his final 24 Tests, even with his average dropping, his BPD was 81.2.
In contrast, the number 3 batsmen who have followed him have a collective BPD of just 56.3, highlighting their inability to occupy the crease for as long as Pujara.
Conclusion:
While India's new-era batsmen at number 3, like Shubman Gill, are talented and play with a more attacking mindset, none have been able to replicate the kind of resilience and defensive stability that Cheteshwar Pujara provided. The statistics clearly show a significant drop in the ability of India's number 3 batsmen to build long innings and wear down opposition bowlers, a role that Pujara perfected. The team is still searching for a long-term solution to fill the massive void he left behind.
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