Virat Kohli's recent retirement from Test cricket has sent ripples through the Indian cricketing landscape, leaving a significant void in the batting lineup.
The most pressing question now, as India gears up for their tour of England in 2025, is who will step into the prestigious No. 4 position – a spot masterfully held by Kohli for over a decade after he inherited it from the legendary Sachin Tendulkar.
For nearly 33 years, India enjoyed unparalleled stability at this crucial batting position. Tendulkar, who shifted to No. 4 in 1992, amassed a staggering 13,492 runs in 177 Tests at an average of 54.40, including 44 centuries.
Following his retirement in 2013, Kohli seamlessly took over, scoring 7,564 runs in 160 innings at an impressive average of 50.09, with 26 hundreds to his name. This smooth transition ensured India's middle order remained a formidable force.
However, with 'King' Kohli hanging up his whites, the succession plan is not as clear-cut. The team management faces a crucial decision ahead of the challenging English tour. Several promising candidates are in the fray:
The Leading Contenders
Shubman Gill: Often touted as the 'Prince' of Indian cricket, Gill is a strong contender to inherit Kohli's mantle. Having batted in various positions across the top and middle order in his 32 Test matches so far, he possesses the technique and temperament. While yet to cross 2000 Test runs, many see him as a future leader. Gill's versatility also makes him a candidate for the opening slot, reportedly vacant after Rohit Sharma's retirement, a position he is accustomed to in white-ball cricket.
Shreyas Iyer: With a reputation for calmness and a solid domestic record for Mumbai, Iyer has shown promise in his nascent Test career of 14 matches, including a century. His ability to handle pressure and build an innings makes him a viable option for the No. 4 role, where he could serve India long-term.
KL Rahul: A seasoned campaigner, KL Rahul has proven his mettle across different batting positions and challenging overseas conditions. His adaptability and knack for soaking up pressure while playing his natural game make him an ideal candidate to provide stability to the middle order. Securing a fixed spot at No. 4 could allow Rahul to flourish and benefit the team's overall balance.
Rajat Patidar: Patidar gained experience at the No. 4 position during England's tour of India in 2024 when Kohli was on leave. His creditable performances during that series could see him remain in contention if given further opportunities.
Other Potential Options
While Devdutt Padikkal, Sarfaraz Khan, and Dhruv Jurel are also in the broader pool of talent, they are considered less likely to be handed the immediate responsibility for the No. 4 spot. Rishabh Pant, known for his aggressive batting, is generally expected to continue batting in the lower middle order, though a promotion cannot be entirely ruled out under a new management setup.
The decision will ultimately rest with the to-be chosen captain and head coach Gautam Gambhir as they prepare for the first Test against England, starting on 20 June 2025 in Headingley.
