Solving India’s No. 3 Dilemma: Is There A Solution?

The Number 3 batting position has been a recurring concern for Team India, especially highlighted during the Women’s Asia Cup campaign and came under the spotlight in the final against Sri Lanka.

While Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma have been delivering strong performances at the top, the lack of consistency and intent from the Number 3 has become increasingly apparent.

In the absence of Yastika Bhatia, the preferred and likely #3 for India due to injury– India has experimented with Dayalan Hemalatha. However, aside from a brief success in the Bangladesh series earlier this year, Hemalatha has struggled to solidify her place, evidenced by her disappointing numbers at Number 3 in T20Is, where she averages 19.75 with a strike rate of 117.91. Her performance as an opener against Nepal further diminished her case as she managed a lacklustre 47 off 42 balls.

Meanwhile, young Uma Chetry, still finding her footing in international cricket and entrusting her with the coveted spot might be a big gamble.

As the T20 World Cup approaches, India must find a reliable solution for the crucial Number 3 position to bolster their chances of success on the world stage.

What are the possible options to explore?

Yastika Bhatia

Matches	Runs	Strike Rate	Average
3	48	100.00	16.00

Numbers at #3 for Yastika Bhatia in T20Is

Currently sidelined with an injury, Yastika Bhatia faces the challenge of regaining her form and confidence to solidify her place at Number 3. Her career has seen her shuffled across various batting positions, including opening to numbers 3 and 5, which has affected her ability to establish consistency.

However, her performance in the Bangladesh series offered a glimmer of hope. Despite the small sample size, she showcased her potential at Number 3, scoring a composed 36 and looking comfortable in that role.

The key to Bhatia’s successful return lies in the support she receives from the team management and support staff. With their faith and a well-structured plan to streamline her progress, Bhatia can potentially overcome her injury setback and reclaim her position. Her ability to adapt and deliver under pressure will be crucial, and her past performances indicate that she has the talent to succeed.

If given the right support and opportunities, Yastika Bhatia could become a reliable solution for India’s Number 3 dilemma, bringing stability and depth to the batting lineup as the team prepares for the T20 World Cup.

Jemimah Rodrigues

Matches	Runs	Strike Rate	Average
59	1492	110.19	30.44

Numbers at #3 for Jemimah Rodrigues in T20Is

Jemimah Rodrigues has shown the capacity to be used as a floater in the batting order, making her a versatile asset for the Indian team and making her a suitable fit and front-runner for this position. Her remarkable repertoire of shots, even coming at number 5 allows her to accelerate the scoring rate when needed, and her agility while running between the wickets adds an extra dimension to her batting.

In addition to her technical skills, Rodrigues brings valuable experience to the table, having played in various high-pressure situations both domestically and internationally. This experience equips her with the mental toughness required to handle the responsibilities of the Number 3 position. Her ability to read the game and adapt her approach according to the match situation makes her a strong candidate for this pivotal role.

Moreover, Rodrigues’ consistency and ability to build partnerships can provide the stability that India needs at Number 3. She has a solid technique against both pace and spin, which is crucial for anchoring the innings and setting up a platform for the middle and lower order to capitalize on. Her positive attitude and leadership qualities also contribute to her suitability for this role, as she can guide the team through challenging phases and inspire confidence in her teammates.

Considering these attributes, Jemimah Rodrigues appears to be an ideal candidate to fill the Number 3 position, offering a blend of stability, experience, and the ability to accelerate the innings as required. Her inclusion in this role could address India’s ongoing dilemma and provide the team with a reliable anchor as they set their sights on the T20 World Cup.

Harmanpreet Kaur

Matches	Runs	Strike Rate	Average
18	298	–	21.28

Numbers at #3 for Harmanpreet Kaur for T20Is

As the captain of the Indian women’s cricket team, Harmanpreet Kaur possesses the experience and leadership qualities that could make her an ideal candidate for the Number 3 position. Her ability to navigate challenging situations and anchor the innings can provide the stability that India needs in this crucial batting spot.

Shuffling the batting order to accommodate Kaur at Number 3 could have a positive ripple effect throughout the lineup. With Jemimah Rodrigues moving to Number 4, Richa Ghosh at 5, Pooja Vastrakar at 6, Shreyanka Patil at 7, and Radha Yadav at 8, India can field a more balanced and flexible batting order. This rearrangement allows for a deeper batting lineup, providing a stronger foundation for the middle and lower order to capitalize on.

Kaur’s aggressive yet calculated approach to batting can set the tone for the innings, enabling India to build a solid platform while maintaining a steady scoring rate. Her vast experience in international cricket equips her with the ability to adapt to different match situations, whether it’s consolidating after early wickets or accelerating the scoring when needed.

Furthermore, having Kaur at Number 3 allows India to play an extra bowler, which can be a significant advantage in T20 cricket. This additional bowler could be a spinner like Asha Sobhana or S Sajana, providing more options and flexibility in the bowling attack. This strategic move can enhance India’s overall team composition, offering a better balance between batting and bowling.

Kaur’s presence at Number 3 can also instill confidence in the rest of the batting lineup, as her leadership and experience can guide the team through challenging phases. Her ability to handle pressure and perform consistently makes her a strong candidate to solve India’s Number 3 dilemma. By placing her in this role, India can strengthen their batting order and bolster their chances of success in the T20 World Cup.

Deepti Sharma

Matches	Runs	Strike Rate	Average
4	92	109.52	23.00

Numbers at #3 for Deepti Sharma in T20Is

Deepti Sharma, though a slightly unconventional choice, can be considered as a potential candidate for the Number 3 position. Her ability to fine-tune her game and step up when needed makes her a valuable asset for the team. As the Most Valuable Player (MVP) in the recently concluded Women’s Premier League (WPL), Deepti has demonstrated her capability to perform under pressure and deliver impactful performances.

One of Deepti’s key strengths is her ability to unleash an attacking game when the situation demands. Her aggressive approach can put the opposition on the back foot and shift the momentum in India’s favour. Additionally, Deepti can be utilized as a floater in the batting order, allowing the team to adapt based on the match situation. In her domestic setup, she consistently bats up the order, showcasing her adaptability and effectiveness in higher batting positions.

Rejigging the batting order to accommodate Deepti at Number 3 would involve some strategic adjustments. With Deepti at 3, skipper Harmanpreet Kaur comes in at 4, Jemimah Rodrigues at 5, Richa Ghosh at 6 and that would mean Pooja Vastrakar gets the elevation to 7, Shreyanka Patil to 8, and Radha Yadav to 9. This new arrangement would add depth to the batting lineup, providing more flexibility and options in the middle order.

Beyond her batting prowess, Deepti’s all-round capabilities bring additional value to the team. Her experience and calm demeanour on the field can provide stability at Number 3, allowing the team to build solid partnerships and set a strong foundation for the innings. Her ability to read the game and make strategic decisions can also enhance India’s overall performance.

Moreover, Deepti’s inclusion at Number 3 allows the team to maintain a balanced combination of aggression and stability. Her presence in the top order can help anchor the innings while also providing the flexibility to accelerate the scoring when needed. This dynamic approach can be crucial in T20 cricket, where the ability to adapt quickly to changing match situations is essential.

Deepti Sharma, with her proven track record and versatile skill set, can be a viable option for the Number 3 position. Her inclusion in this role can bring a fresh perspective to India’s batting lineup, potentially solving the ongoing dilemma and strengthening the team’s chances at the T20 World Cup.

Richa Ghosh

Matches	Runs	Strike Rate	Average
2	50	50.00	119.04

Numbers at #3 for Richa Ghosh in T20Is

Richa Ghosh has been utilized as a Number 3 in the ODI series against Australia and delivered impressive performances. Her ability to score well in this position demonstrates her potential to take on the role in T20Is as well. However, her current role as the designated finisher for India at Number 6 raises important questions about the potential impact of moving her up the order.

While Ghosh’s aggressive batting style and ability to build innings make her a strong candidate for the Number 3 position, placing her there could complicate the team’s strategy during the death overs. If India loses wickets early, the burden of finishing the innings would shift to players like Harmanpreet Kaur, Jemimah Rodrigues, Deepti Sharma, and Pooja Vastrakar. This change might disrupt the balance and effectiveness of the lower order, which has been one of India’s strengths.

Moreover, Ghosh’s role as a finisher is crucial, as she can accelerate the scoring rate and close out games effectively. Her experience and calmness under pressure are assets that India relies on in the final overs. Moving her to Number 3 would mean the team needs to find a new player to fill the finisher’s role, which might not be as effective.

However, the potential of Ghosh at Number 3 cannot be entirely dismissed. Her success in this position against a strong Australian side indicates that she can handle the responsibilities of anchoring the innings and setting a platform for the middle and lower order. The team management would need to carefully weigh the pros and cons of this move, considering the overall balance and strategy of the team.

Other Options India Can Consider

India can explore a few other options for the Number 3 position, including Kiran Navgire, Shweta Sehrawat, and Priya Punia. Kiran Navgire has shown promise with her powerful batting in domestic competitions and the WPL and has the potential to adapt to the demands of international cricket.

Shweta Sehrawat is yet another young and talented player, who has impressed with her performances in domestic and emerging cricket, showcasing a solid technique and adaptability. Priya Punia, known for her consistent performances and ability to anchor innings, could also be a viable option for this crucial spot.

However, with the T20 World Cup as the next major assignment, experimenting with these relatively less experienced players at Number 3 presents a significant gamble. The pressure and expectations of a World Cup can be intense, and integrating new players into such a critical role could disrupt the team’s balance and strategy.

While each of these players has potential, the stakes are high, and the team management must carefully weigh the risks and benefits of introducing them at this juncture. As India prepares for the T20 World Cup, finding a reliable solution for the Number 3 position is crucial to the team’s success.

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