Who is Virat Kohli replacement in Test cricket?
As India prepares for the high-stakes five-match Test series against England beginning June 20, a historic void looms in the team’s batting lineup. So let’s know who is Virat Kohli replacement in Test cricket?
For the first time in over three decades, India will take the field in Test cricket without a designated No. 4 batter following the retirement of Virat Kohli, who had inherited the position from Sachin Tendulkar.
The position, central to India’s batting identity since the 1990s, now stands vacant, and the spotlight has turned to who will carry forward this legacy.
With Rohit Sharma also stepping away from the format, India is already facing a leadership and top-order reshuffle. But the No. 4 role, long seen as the engine room of the Indian batting unit, is particularly significant.
Who will bat at number 4 for India after Virat Kohli?
As the selectors prepare to announce the squad next week, two prime candidates have emerged: KL Rahul and Karun Nair.
KL Rahul is the more experienced and versatile option. With over 50 Test matches under his belt and a proven ability to adapt to different roles, Rahul has the temperament and technique suited for the pivotal No. 4 slot.
However, India’s fragility at the top may force the management to push Rahul back to the opening position, especially given his past success in English conditions as an opener.
Karun Nair to bat at number 4 for India in test cricket?
Rahul as an opener opens the door for a possible recall of Karun Nair, the only Indian apart from Virender Sehwag to have scored a Test triple century.
Nair’s recent domestic form has reignited interest in his comeback. He finished as the fourth-highest run-scorer in the Ranji Trophy, amassing 863 runs in nine matches at an average of 53. Now representing Vidarbha, he has demonstrated both hunger and maturity, key traits for the role.
Nair’s familiarity with English conditions and his ability to bat anywhere in the top five make him a strong contender. With the team at a crossroads and legacy on the line, the No. 4 spot is not just about skill, it’s about stepping into a legacy carved by legends.
DOWNLOAD: STUMPSANDBAILS FANTASY CRICKET APP
DOWNLOAD: DRAGOZ SPORTS FANTASY CRICKET APP
