Table of Contents
Just days after Indian skipper Rohit Sharma announced his retirement from Test cricket, Virat Kohli stunned fans and the cricketing world by calling time on his illustrious red-ball career. With over 9,000 Test runs and 30 centuries to his name, Kohli’s presence at number 4 was a pillar of India’s batting order for more than a decade. His retirement marks the end of a golden era and leaves behind a significant void—one that now looms as the biggest concern for the selectors and team management.
Who can fill Virat Kohli’s shoes at number 4?
For 12 years, India didn’t have to worry about the No. 4 slot in Tests. Kohli owned it, thrived in it, and defined it. Now, the landscape has changed. Several names are in the mix—Shubman Gill, Sarfaraz Khan, and even Yashasvi Jaiswal if India decides to try him in the middle-order. Each has shown promise in domestic or international cricket, but none have the experience or aura Kohli brought to the table.
The search for a stable No. 4 is not just about replacing runs; it’s about finding someone who can weather collapses, build partnerships, and shift gears when required—a challenge easier said than done.
Mark Boucher picks his number four for India
As India begin their transition into a new era post-Kohli, several experts are offering their opinions on who could shoulder the responsibility of the No. 4 slot in the Test side. Among them, former South African cricketer Mark Boucher has put his trust in KL Rahul to take up the role. Boucher, known for his cricketing acumen and sharp reading of the game, highlighted Rahul’s technical solidity and adaptability as key traits that make him suitable for the position.
Boucher emphasized that the No. 4 batter in Test cricket plays a pivotal role—one that requires the ability to absorb pressure early on in the innings and accelerate the scoring rate when needed. He noted that Rahul, while not the youngest name in the mix, has matured significantly over the years and demonstrated the capacity to adjust to various situations.
“KL Rahul is one of the guys who might not be the youngster anymore, but he could fulfill the role. Technically, he’s good. I think he can bat both ways, which I think a No. 4 has to be able to do,” said Boucher as quoted by Times of India.
Boucher elaborated that a batter at No. 4 often walks in during tough phases—either after a collapse or when the team is in a strong position—and must be capable of shifting gears accordingly.
“He needs to have a strong technique in case you lose one or two quick wickets. Then he needs to be able to step on the gas with regard to the run rate, which I think he can do as well,” added Boucher.
Also READ: Who will replace Virat Kohli? Cheteshwar Pujara weighs in on India’s next No. 4 in Tests
