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For more than a decade, Virat Kohli, Joe Root, Steve Smith, and Kane Williamson have been celebrated as the “Fab Four” of modern cricket. These batting icons dominated across formats and set new benchmarks in international cricket. However, with all four entering the latter stages of their careers, discussions have begun around who could succeed them as the next set of batting greats. The cricketing world is buzzing with speculation, and two England stars have now joined the debate.
Moeen Ali and Adil Rashid pick the next generation stars
Former England all-rounder Moeen Ali and star spinner Adil Rashid recently shared their views on the next Fab Four. Speaking on Beard Before Wicket, Moeen strongly backed India’s rising duo of Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal. He praised Gill’s elegance and composure, highlighting his improved technique during India’s Test series against England. On Jaiswal, Moeen called him a “gun player” who has already proven his class in challenging conditions both at home and overseas.
“Shubman Gill, just the way he bats and the way he makes it look quite easy. In this series in England, his technique has gotten so much better. Sound guy and he’s a top player — very nice, elegant, and stylish. There’s certain things you watch a batter for, certain shots or things that stand out. He’s one of them, and not many can do that. The way he’s batting right now, it feels like he’s in complete control,” said Moeen.
Moeen’s personal list included Gill, Jaiswal, Harry Brook, Rachin Ravindra, and, if extended to five names, Jacob Bethell. Rashid’s choices were slightly different as he went with Brook, Gill, Jaiswal, and Bethell for his Fab Four. Both agreed that Gill and Jaiswal are set to lead the next era of batting dominance.
“Brook, Gill, Jaiswal… I’d add Bethell. In the next five or six years, he will be there,” said Rashid.
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Rising stars delivering standout performances
The players backed by Moeen and Rashid have already delivered impressive numbers in their young careers. Gill, recently appointed India’s Test captain, showcased both leadership and consistency in the series against England, finishing as the highest run-scorer with 754 runs at an average of 75.40, including four centuries. Jaiswal too impressed, scoring 411 runs with two centuries and two fifties in the same series.
England’s Brook has also made headlines with his fearless batting, amassing 481 runs in five Tests against India, including two hundreds. Young Bethell has shown promise in his 29 internationals for England, scoring 869 runs with eight half-centuries. Meanwhile, New Zealand’s Rachin continues to rise rapidly with 8 centuries across formats already in his career, underlining his all-format potential.
Also READ: Rahul Dravid reveals the toughest fast bowler and spinner he faced in international cricket
