In a statement that has sparked widespread debate among cricket enthusiasts, former India batting coach Sanjay Bangar has made a surprising revelation regarding who he believes should bat at No. 3 for India in the longest format. While most discussions have centered around Shubman Gill or Karun Nair as natural successors to Cheteshwar Pujara in the pivotal one-down slot, Bangar has swerved in a different direction, backing a rather unconventional name: Rajat Patidar.
“Neither Gill nor Nair,” Bangar said in a recent interview, when asked about the ideal No. 3 for India. “For me, Rajat Patidar has the right mix of technique, temperament, and hunger to handle the pressure that comes with batting at that crucial position in Test cricket.”
Bangar’s endorsement of Patidar comes amid a transitional phase for the Indian Test team. With Cheteshwar Pujara no longer in the fray and the team looking to blood fresh talent into the top order, the No. 3 slot has become one of the most hotly contested roles in the side. While Shubman Gill was initially tried in that position during recent series, his performances have been inconsistent, and questions have been raised over whether he is better suited as an opener.
Karun Nair, meanwhile, remains on the radar due to his past exploits—including a memorable triple hundred—but a lack of consistency and regular opportunities have kept him from securing a permanent spot in the XI. In that context, Bangar’s backing of Rajat Patidar has intrigued many and offered a new dimension to the ongoing debate.
Patidar, who made waves with a stellar performance in the domestic circuit and India A tours, has long been viewed as one of the more technically compact batters in the Indian pipeline. Known for his calmness under pressure and his ability to grind out runs on challenging pitches, Patidar has impressed selectors with his consistency and adaptability. He recently scored heavily in India A matches in England and was also among the standout performers in the Ranji Trophy last season.
“Rajat’s game suits the rigors of Test cricket,” Bangar added. “He’s not flamboyant, but that’s what you need at No. 3. Someone who can anchor, absorb pressure, and build innings. He has shown that quality time and again at the domestic level.”
Bangar’s opinion carries weight, especially given his experience as a batting coach during a transformative period for Indian cricket. His work with players like Kohli, Pujara, and Rahane during their peak years gives his insights credibility.
Fans and pundits have responded with mixed reactions. While some have welcomed the idea of giving Patidar a proper run in the Test side, others remain convinced that Gill’s class and potential make him the rightful heir to No. 3. However, Patidar’s consistent performances and solid technique have undeniably put him in serious contention.
As India prepares for a packed Test calendar, including tours to Australia and a home series against New Zealand, the selectors will have some crucial decisions to make. Whether they heed Bangar advice remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the No. 3 spot is up for grabs, and the competition is heating up.
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