- July 15, 2025
If you are an Indian cricket follower, you probably said at least once, “If Kohli is at the crease, we can do it!” But now, with Virat Kohli retiring from Test cricket, that confidence certainly seems misplaced, doesn’t it? Former England skipper Nasser Hussain didn’t mince his words during the Lord’s Test, quipping, “No Kohli anymore, he’s retired — time for India to find their next chase hero.” India has to find a new one to do that.” The “one”? A batter who can do what Kohli did, win tricky chases for India.
The Void Left by Kohli — Why It’s Deeper Than Just Stats
Yes, it’s a staggering number – and we all know Kohli’s numbers are even more staggering in chases. But this is more than just numbers. Kohli had an aura of invincibility when India was chasing a target. His intensity, hunger, and cool-as-a-cucumber persona when the pressure was on left the impression on fans and teammates alike that no chase was too much.
Kohli boasts an incredible record as a finisher in white-ball cricket, but he has also made some magic happen in Tests, and his ability to deliver in tough chase situations was rarely — if ever — the reason India lost a test match. ordinary without him. At Lord’s, India lost Pant, Rahul, and Sundar (all cheaply) in a situation that asked for calm, collected tactical play. A calming presence exists when Kohli is tasked with anchoring the innings.
The Candidates: Who Could Be India’s Next Chase Specialist?
It’s not as though India doesn’t have talent; it does. But chasers are built differently. Let’s examine the contenders.
Rishabh Pant? He has the talent, no doubt, but his shot selection in tight situations has often let him down in Test Matches. But despite all of this, his way of playing-his fearless ways of playing, especially in Australia 2021 – suggests that, albeit if he controls his aggression wisely, he could be on that path.
Shubman Gill? He is stylish, but being consistent in difficult conditions is a big question. He has scored a double-hundred in ODIs and shown flashes in Tests, but is yet to wear the “I will take us home” hat.
KL Rahul? He’s experienced but inconsistent. Rahul could look a million bucks one day to get out cheaply the next. He’ll need that type of consistency if we’re to find the next Kohli in chases.
Then we have someone like Ravindra Jadeja, who showed remarkable grit at Lord’s, as he kept going while wickets were falling all around him. He may not be a proper batter, but Jadeja has the attitude that a chaser requires.
In reality, none of them have quite matched Kohli’s confidence yet. And maybe that is fine — perhaps India does not need another Kohli, but rather someone who can evolve the chasing game in their way.
Changing the Mindset — Chasing in Tests is a Different Beast
Unlike ODIs and T20s, chasing in Tests is psychological warfare. Pitches are worn out, bowlers are in rhythm, and the margin for error is paper-thin. The ability to absorb pressure, not just counter-attack, is what makes a great chaser in the longest format.
The next chase master for India will need to combine patience with aggression, and caution with courage. It’s a slight balancing act, and Kohli did it better than just about any other player. The team management for India has to pick not only the best batter, but the batter with the ‘mental strength’ to bat through the last and longest.
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