- May 19, 2025
It’s official—Virat Kohli has announced his retirement from Test cricket, and after 14 years of practice, purpose, and cover drives good enough to feel you in your heart, Kohli leaving the white kit represents a large void in India’s batting structure. And, let’s not forget, Rohit Sharma retired just a week previous. There’s a five-Test series against England in the future too. So, one hugely important question stands out for Indian fans: Who bats at number 4?
In Tests, number 4 is not a batting position, it is a statement. Kohli owned it. Now it is a vacant position. Here, I will look at five candidates that replace that gigantic hole left behind insofar as leadership and authority in batting concerns. Each of these candidates has an individual flair, strengths, and story.
Shubman Gill
Shubman Gill
Gill has played as an opener, recently dropped to No.3, where he has had variable returns. There is no doubt with his flair, timing, and elegant Strokeplay. However, there is something to admit that he has consistently gotten caught fishing off early during overseas conditions. At no. 4, he would have an older ball to face and a more settled bowler, which may allow him to show us his best version of himself. With his flair, temperament, and increasing leadership position, Gill is probably the frontrunner for No. 4.
Sai Sudharsan
Sai Sudharsan
Keep an eye on Sai Sudharsan. The left-hander has been racking up runs like it’s going out of style – in the IPL, domestically, and even in placements in county cricket. Sudharsan has a game that is so well-balanced, so patient, and with such smooth timing that it is hard to imagine a player scoring plenty but only smart runs.
Dhruv Jurel
Dhruv Jurel
Although he might have first come to notice as a wicketkeeper, Dhruv Jurel has shown he is more than a stumper. During the home series with England, he showed his temperament and Strokeplay, even receiving a Player of the Match award in Ranchi. Jurel is a gritty option and ideal for hard overseas tours. His dual skill capability gives the management flexibility as well. Don’t be shocked if he becomes India’s Rahul Dravid 2.0.
Karun Nair
Karun Nair
Three centuries in a Ranji final, county cricket experience, and that triple hundred from 2016. Karun Nair’s resume is more loaded than a Diwali thali. After a few quiet years, he is thriving again with a big Ranji Trophy season and raps firmly on the door. He was the fourth-highest run scorer in the elite group, and he played a big hand in Vidarbha’s title run. If India is looking for a hasty but experienced comeback story, Karun may be a well-rated first-hand.
Devdutt Padikkal
Devdutt Padikkal
Padikkal has all of the flair – and now, gradually, the substance. He hasn’t taken off (so far) in the Test arena, but there have been glimpses of brilliance. An 88 against Australia A, a fifty against England are small markers that he is starting to get comfortable in red-ball cricket. He has six first-class hundreds and an average of 41.39, so he is still a work in progress – but let’s be sincere, he has the flair and timing in his game to excite from 4. If he tightens up against the moving ball, particularly in England, he could be a long-term investment.
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