Ruturaj Gaikwad stated ahead of the third match against Zimbabwe that it would be difficult to replace the recently retired Virat Kohli in the No. 3 spot in T20 Internationals. He went on to say that he would simply concentrate on contributing with the bat, regardless of position.

Even though he opened the 2024 T20 World Cup for India, Virat Kohli was always regarded as a No. 3 batter for the majority of his illustrious career in the short format. The management of the squad and the selectors will be watching to see who can be the greatest replacement for Kohli.

Gaikwad played a big part in India's victory in the second T20 International against Zimbabwe, and he is predicted to stay at No. 3 for the remainder of the series. “It is actually a huge topic, and it isn't the right point to think about it, compare with him or even try to fill his shoes because it is relatively very tough and hard. As I said during the IPL as well, it is difficult to fill Mahi bhai's shoes. You want to start your own career, play your own game and that is the priority right now,” Gaikwad said.

“Wherever the team wants me to bat, I'm willing to bat there. There isn't much difference between opening and No. 3, because you have to play against the new ball,” he added.

The five-match T20I series between India and Zimbabwe are currently tied at 1-1.