Virat Kohli’s sudden retirement from Test cricket on May 12 has left a gaping hole at No. 4 as India gear up for a crucial five-Test series in England, starting June 20 at Headingley. With Rohit Sharma also stepping away, the team is in a rebuilding phase.
The No. 4 position, long defined by Kohli, demands a batter who can handle pressure, adapt to different conditions and anchor the middle-order.
The debate over Virat Kohli’s successor is heating up with Shubman Gill and KL Rahul emerging as experts’ top choices. Here’s a fresh look at these contenders and what the experts have to say.
Also read: Why Did Virat Kohli Retire from Test Cricket?
Virat Kohli Retires from Test Cricket: Experts Pick Shubman Gill and KL Rahul as His Successor at No. 4
Devang Gandhi and WV Raman offered their perspectives on who should replace Kohli at No. 4 for India’s upcoming England Test series.
Gandhi, a former India selector, strongly backs Rahul for the role, emphasising his adaptability and experience. Gandhi suggests Rahul’s versatility makes him ideal for No. 4. He wants Sai Sudharsan to open and maintain top-order stability.
He also sees Gill as a viable option. As per the Gandhi, Gill has the game to be a middle-order batter. He believes that if the team management does not want to tinker with Rahul’s position, Gill should be asked to bat at No. 4.
"Rahul’s career has revolved around fitting in places where the team needed someone to fill in. At the moment, Sai Sudharsan is in form and has the confidence. Let him open," Gandhi said as quoted to TOI.
"If the team management feels Rahul is settled at the top, then they should see Gill as the option to bat at No. 4. Gill has the game of a good middle-order batter. We saw that during his days with India ‘A’. And if he becomes captain, it could be a long-term responsible role," he added.
In contrast, Raman, who coached Gill at the U-19 level, argued against moving the 25-year-old from No. 3, favouring Rahul for No. 4 due to his seniority. He opined that disturbing Gill’s established role risks unsettling him, while Rahul’s experience makes him the logical No. 4 choice in a post-Kohli era.
"Gill has opened or batted at No. 3 all his life. KL Rahul is the most experienced batter in the lineup. We don’t have anyone to match the stature of Kohli and Tendulkar. In that scenario, the most experienced batter has to be given the responsibility of batting at No. 4," Raman told TOI.
Other Contenders Who Can Replace Virat Kohli at No. 4
Rajat Patidar is a promising candidate for No. 4, though his lack of Test experience in England is a concern. Karun Nair, who will likely be with India A in England, remains a contender due to his familiarity with English conditions, but his long absence from the Test side raises questions.
Shreyas Iyer, who last played a Test match in February 2024, can also be considered, especially since he has worked on his weakness against short-pitch deliveries.
Kohli’s shadow looms large, but the race for No. 4 is wide open.
Also read: Sunil Gavaskar's bold prediction says Virat Kohli & Rohit Sharma wont play 2027 ODI World Cup
