New Delhi: Star India batter Virat Kohli bid farewell to Test cricket on Monday and the Indian cricket family, involving his hardcore fans, are still trying to come to terms that they ain’t going to see him in India whites anymore. There has been a common but emotional complaint of Kohli not getting a Test swansong as fans across the world hail the ace batter for the legacy he has left behind in the format, and as they say, has been robbed of a farewell Test.
Nonetheless, now that Kohli has retired, the Indian selectors face the arduous task of finding an appropriate replacement, as they wouldn’t want the issue to linger. With the crucial five-Test series against England approaching, it remains to be seen who will be named in place of Kohli and will be slotted in his long-time Test batting position – no. 4.
The Indian players will be boarding a flight to the United Kingdom post the completion of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 as the tour gets underway next month. The BCCI will reportedly reveal the India A squad for it on May 13, and a Team India squad announcement for England can be expected in the final week of May, and of course, the announcement of the new skipper.
Virat Kohli’s replacement batters
But the question that still remains – who is the most appropriate batter to replace Kohli at no. 4 in the Indian squad? Here’s a look at the five best candidates –
KL Rahul
Probably the only batter who has had his batting position shuffled for most of the time, adjusting according to the team’s needs and demands and not complaining, that’s how KL Rahul has been for the Indian Test side. From opening to playing at no. 5 or no. 6, Rahul has seen it all. Although Rahul won’t be new to the no. 4 role, this makes him a potential replacement for Virat, also looking at his impressive form lately.
Shreyas Iyer
Although being ignored in Tests for over a year, following a schooling from the BCCI over prioritising domestic cricket, Iyer has shown promise of late, in the Ranji Trophy 2024-25 and the Champions Trophy 2025 as well, which marked his return to Team India. He returned in the BCCI central contracts as well, and his fiery form in the IPL 2025 makes him an ideal replacement for Virat.
Rajat Patidar
Virat’s Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) teammate, Rajat Patidar, only made his Test debut last year but was quickly sidelined. Virat’s departure might open doors for him due to his prowess against spin, which he has shown over the years, and his domestic cricket stats make him a good option for the no. 4 role.
Sarfaraz Khan
After a string of fabulous knocks in the Ranji Trophy, Sarfaraz earned himself a maiden Test call-up in early 2024. He continued to be a part of the Test squad in the tours that followed, involving the home series against New Zealand in which he shone with his maiden international ton. With Kohli gone, he is surely another strong contender for the no. 4 spot and can be roped in for his ability to provide solidity to the middle-order.
Sai Sudharsan
Although still short of a Test debut, Sudharsan’s consistency in the ongoing IPL 2025 has left both fans and pundits stunned. The young batter is being hailed as one of the most promising talents in Indian cricket, and earlier reports have claimed that he was in the mix for a spot in the squad for the England tour. While he has a proven record as an opener, the selectors might add him for his potential use at No. 4 to solidify the batting unit.
Now that Virat Kohli has bid goodbye to Test cricket and the crucial England series is approaching, the Indian selectors are going to have a hard time finding his replacement. Here’s a look at the top five players who can slot in at no. 4. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
