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The much-anticipated five-match Test series between England and India is all set to begin on June 20. With the first match scheduled at Headingley, Leeds, this series marks a new chapter in Indian cricket as Shubman Gill takes charge as the full-time Test captain. After Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s retirement from the longest format, the spotlight now turns to a young Indian side, led by Gill, facing the challenge of winning a red-ball series in English conditions.
Who will bat at number four for India in England? Saba Karim picks his choice
One of the key concerns for the Indian team management heading into this high-stakes series is the composition of the batting order. With Kohli announcing his retirement from Test cricket ahead of the upcoming series, the No. 4 spot — once held firmly by the batting legend — is now vacant. The void left by Kohli’s departure brings with it an important selection headache: who can take up that critical middle-order role?
Saba Karim, former India selector and wicketkeeper-batter, weighed in on the debate and shared his perspective. Speaking to NDTV, he suggested that KL Rahul is best suited to fill the No. 4 position in the upcoming series. Karim emphasized Rahul’s adaptability and experience in English conditions as key strengths that make him a suitable candidate to take over the pivotal spot at No. 4.
“KL Rahul’s role becomes monumental in the absence of Virat Kohli. He is technically sound, has the temperament, and has done well in England before. He is someone who can handle early setbacks and also build an innings. I think there’s a lot of maturity in him over the past season and a half. That’s the kind of responsibility the Indian team management should trust him with,” said Karim.
Also READ: Matthew Hayden picks his choice to fill Virat Kohli’s No. 4 spot in Test cricket
Who else could bat at No. 4? Options India might consider
While Karim has backed Rahul for the role, the Indian think tank has several players to consider. Notably, Gill, who is expected to bat at No. 4 as per early reports, could also anchor the middle order given his leadership responsibility. However, this would mean reshuffling the top order and finding a new partner for Yashasvi Jaiswal at the top. Karun Nair, who has returned to the domestic scene with consistent performances, is another option. He brings experience and a proven Test triple century under his belt, though he has been out of the national setup for a while.
Also READ: Mark Boucher picks Team India’s next No. 4 batter after Virat Kohli’s retirement
