Don't see why Shreyas Iyer cannot bat at No. 3 for India in Tests: Gautam Gambhir

Former India opener Gautam Gambhir feels Shreyas Iyer has the temperament to bat at No. 3 in Tests, given that Cheteshwar Pujara has not been picked for the two home Tests against Sri Lanka.

Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane have been dropped from the Test side and have returned to domestic cricket in a bid to win their place back in the side.

“He has been brilliant so far. He showed it during his innings against New Zealand," Gambhir had said during the Byju's Cricket Live show during the India vs South Africa series.

"Not everyone can score a century in their first Test innings. He has got all the shots and has the temperament of a middle-order batter. 

"He can build an innings well and play anchor. He can be the perfect No. 3 batter for India. I don't see why he can't replace Pujara in India's Playing XI."

Shreyas has made an impressive start to his Test career, having scored a century and fifty on his debut in Kanpur, which came against New Zealand in November last year. However, in the next Test in Mumbai, he managed just 18 and 14 in his two outings. 

India also have the likes of Hanuma Vihari, Priyank Panchal or even Shubman gill who could slot in at No. 3. Who they pick for the first Test in Mohali, starting March 4 will be interesting to see.