New Delhi: With Virat Kohli announcing his retirement from Test cricket on May 12, India now faces the critical task of filling the No. 4 batting position—one long associated with legends like Sachin Tendulkar and Kohli himself. Over a 14-year career, Kohli played 123 Tests, scoring 9,230 runs, including 30 centuries and 31 half-centuries. Of those, 7,564 runs came from the No. 4 position across 160 innings. As India prepares for a five-match Test series against England starting June 20 in Leeds, the focus shifts to identifying his successor in the middle order.
One of the top contenders is KL Rahul, who, with 58 Tests to his name, will be India’s most experienced batter in the absence of Kohli and Rohit Sharma. Though primarily an opener, Rahul has batted at No. 4 just once in Tests—scoring a confident 86 against England in Hyderabad. Given his proven success as a middle-order player in ODIs, he appears well-suited for the role. Another promising candidate is Shubman Gill, a top-order specialist who has yet to bat at No. 4 in Tests. However, at just 25, Gill is viewed as a long-term investment and could be molded into the position, continuing the tradition of India’s elite No. 4s.
Shreyas Iyer, widely regarded as one of India’s finest No. 4 batters in ODIs, also enters the fray. He batted at No. 4 during the Vizag Test against England last year and, despite modest scores of 27 and 29, brings valuable experience and temperament. Karun Nair, who has been in exceptional form for Vidarbha in the 2024–25 domestic season, is another strong candidate. Backed by former cricketer Anil Kumble, Nair’s experience in over 100 First-Class games positions him as a reliable middle-order option.
Sarfaraz Khan, a young Mumbai batter, has already shown promise at No. 4 in his short Test career. In particular, his 150 against New Zealand in Bengaluru last year underlines his potential, though he may not feature in the upcoming England tour. Other names in consideration include Rajat Patidar, who had a disappointing debut series against England, and Devdutt Padikkal, who impressed with a composed 65 on his debut in Dharamsala.
As India enters a post-Kohli era in Test cricket, the search for a dependable No. 4 is underway. With several contenders in the mix, the coming series in England may offer the first glimpse into the future of India’s middle-order.
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