India's all-time great ODI player Virat Kohli is experiencing one of the most difficult periods of his life. The star batter again remained scoreless in the second ODI against Australia at Adelaide Oval. Kohli was leg-before trapped by Xavier Bartlett and went back for a duck. It was his second straight duck in the series after an eight-ball duck in the first ODI. Since the start of 2024, Kohli’s ODI numbers have taken a sharp dip. In 11 innings, he has scored just 333 runs at an average of 33.30 and a strike rate of 82.63. These numbers are far below the high standards he set over the years. Once known for his consistency and ability to chase huge totals, Kohli now looks out of touch and short of confidence in the 50-over format. Coming on top of the uncertainty, BCCI selection committee head Ajit Agarkar recently said that Kohli is not completely committed to playing for the 2027 World Cup. The star batter is already retired from Tests and T20Is, so his future in ODIs is also in doubt. It has also been reported that the BCCI wishes him to play in domestic ODI tournaments to build up form and match practice. At his age and considering his present struggles, it wouldn't come as a surprise if Kohli chooses to retire from ODIs prior to the upcoming World Cup. If that is the case, India will need to discover a trusted substitute in the important No. 3 position, a place which has belonged to Kohli for over a decade. Also Read | Virat Kohli Registers Consecutive Ducks for First Time in ODIs Players Who Might Replace Kohli at No. 3 in ODIs Tilak Varma Hyderabad's Tilak Varma has already exhibited his temperament and ability at the international stage. His match-winning fifty in the Asia Cup final under pressure was an exhibition of his maturity. Tilak is capable of adjusting to various match situations like Kohli. He has the ability to play defensively solid when required and speed up when the team needs quick runs. In List-A cricket, Tilak has made 1645 runs off 41 matches at an average of 45.69 and a strike rate of 93.35. Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal will most probably continue being India's opening duo, making Tilak a great candidate for the No. 3 slot. Tilak is well-equipped to play under pressure and take the strike forward, making him a top contender. Sai Sudharsan Tamil Nadu's B Sai Sudharsan has turned out to be one of the most reliable young batters in Indian cricket. The left-hand batter won the Orange Cap in IPL 2025, making 759 runs in 15 innings at an average of 54.21. His figures in domestic cricket are no less impressive, 1396 runs in 27 List-A innings at an average of 60.69 with a strike rate of 95.61. Sudharsan’s ability to anchor the innings, build partnerships, and play long innings makes him an ideal choice to replace Virat Kohli at no. 3. He combines elegance with patience and can handle both spin and pace comfortably. If he continues his current form, it is only a matter of time before he becomes a regular in the ODI team. Also Read | Rohit Sharma Becomes First Indian to Score 1000 ODI Runs in Australia Ruturaj Gaikwad Maharashtra's Ruturaj Gaikwad already has India experience in limited-overs cricket and has captaincy experience under his belt with the IPL. Although he has not been included in India's recent ODI scheme, his solid build-up and laid-back style suggest that he is a safe bet for the No. 3 position. Gaikwad's List-A career is a testament to his consistency, 4324 runs with an average of 56.15 and a strike rate of 101.66. His match-fitness to score runs and play under pressure conditions is similar to the way Kohli plays in ODIs. If Kohli relinquishes leadership, Gaikwad's level-headedness and leadership potential might render him a natural successor. Rajat Patidar Another option to replace Kohli would be his Royal Challengers Bengaluru teammate Rajat Patidar. Right-handed batter Patidar took his domestic team to title victory and has been one of the most consistent middle-order batsmen in Indian cricket. Although he has played only a solitary ODI for India as yet, Patidar's domestic record indicates his potential. In 64 List-A games, Patidar has made 2211 runs at an average of close to 38 with four centuries and 13 half-centuries. He usually bats at No. 4 but possesses the technique and temperament to shoulder the load at No. 3. His experience in tense moments and the capability to score big quickly make him another potent candidate for India's ODI team.