The No.3 role is now important in a T20 XI. Earlier, this slot used to be taken by the anchor. However, the concept of an anchor is now not that prevalent in the format. Hence, the No.3 role is used for a batter who can attack the bowlers after the powerplay. Some teams will be forced to use an opener at this slot. Here, we take a look at the list of three genuine openers who could play at No.3 in IPL 2024.
1) Prabhsimran Singh
Jonny Bairstow and Shikhar Dhawan will open the batting for Punjab Kings. While Shikhar cannot bat elsewhere, making use of Bairstow’s abilities in the powerplay is the best solution for the team to get good starts.
Hence, Prabhsimran might be forced to bat at No.3. He scored a century last season and is in fine form. Moreover, PBKS might need an Indian batter at No.3 and the Punjab cricketer would be the ideal option for the team.
2) B Sai Sudharsan
B Sai Sudharsan is one of the genuine openers who could play at No.3 in IPL 2024. Yes, he has only played at this slot in the IPL but Sai’s best position is as an opener.
Nevertheless, since Sai has found success here, he might operate yet again at No.3. That said, pressure will be there on Wriddhiman Saha to find form because Kane Williamson not playing as an opener or at No.3 will be an issue for the GT side.
3) Mayank Agarwal
With Travis Head hired at the auctions, it will be interesting to see the combination that SRH will field. Abhishek Sharma is a talented batter and he would be an ideal partner for Travis Head.
At No.3, SRH usually relies on Rahul Tripathi. However, his recent form is not that great while Mayank has been doing well domestically. Hence, it would not be a surprise to see Mayank at No.3.
