Virat Kohli, one of the most celebrated batsmen of modern cricket, announced his retirement from Test cricket on Monday, May 12. The 36 years old cricket icon from Delhi confirmed the news through an Instagram post, marking the end of a remarkable 14-year journey in the longest format of the game. Virat Kohli’s debut came on June 20, 2011, against West Indies in Kingston and over the years, he built a legacy that would be hard to replicate. He represented India in 123 Test matches, scoring 9230 runs with the help of 30 centuries and 31 fifties.
Virat Kohli predominantly played as a No. 4 batter, a role he inherited from the legendary Sachin Tendulkar in 2013. In that position, he featured in 98 Tests and accumulated 7564 runs across 160 innings. Now with his departure, Indian cricket finds itself at a turning point, as it prepares for a new era without both Virat Kohli and fellow stalwart Rohit Sharma.
India’s next major red-ball assignment is the five-match Test series in England, beginning June 20 in Leeds. The series will be closely watched not only for its competitive value but also for how India adapts to life after Virat Kohli, especially in filling the void at the critical No. 4 spot.
Several names are being considered for the role and here are 5 batters who may replace Virat Kohli at the number 4 position:
1. KL Rahul:
With 58 Tests under his belt, KL Rahul is the most experienced among the current crop of batters who can replace Virat Kohli. The 33 years old cricketer has only batted once at No. 4 in Tests, against England in Hyderabad last year, where he impressed with an 86-run knock. Known for his success as a middle-order batter in ODIs, Rahul could offer the stability needed in that key position.
2. Shubman Gill:
The promising 25 years old cricketer from Punjab has been a top-order mainstay across all the formats. Though he has never batted at No. 4 in Tests, there is speculation that he could take on the challenge, potentially continuing the lineage of greats who have held that slot, such as Dilip Vengsarkar, Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli.
3. Shreyas Iyer:
Another strong contender is Shreyas Iyer, one of the most reliable No. 4 batters of India in the ODI format. Shreyas Iyer, aged 30, had his first experience at No. 4 in Tests during India’s match against England in Visakhapatnam last year, where he managed scores of 27 and 29. While not a breakout performance, his credentials suggest he could be groomed into the role.
4. Karun Nair:
Karun Nair, who was in outstanding form during the 2024–25 domestic season for Vidarbha, is also in the mix. The 33 years old right-hander has vast First-Class experience with 114 matches to his name and comes with strong backing, including support from former Indian coach Anil Kumble. Karun Nair’s name is expected to figure in the squad for the upcoming England tour.
5. Sarfaraz Khan:
Sarfaraz Khan, a 27 years old middle-order batter from Mumbai, made his Test debut earlier this year against England in Rajkot. Although he is not likely to be selected for the England series, his performance at No. 4 , particularly his 150-run knock against New Zealand in Bengaluru, showcases his potential for the future.
Other emerging talents like Rajat Patidar and Devdutt Padikkal are also being watched closely. Rajat Patidar played at No. 4 during the third and fourth Tests against England last year but struggled, managing just 22 runs across four innings, including two ducks. Devdutt Padikkal, on the other hand, made a notable debut as a No. 4 batter in Dharamsala on March 7, 2024, scoring 65 runs in the first innings. The left-hander from Karnataka has featured in two Test matches so far and is considered a promising option moving forward.
As Indian cricket navigates a new chapter, the search for Virat Kohli’s successor at No. 4 becomes not just a strategic decision but a symbolic one to carry forward the legacy of one of the greatest modern batsmen of the game.
