Former England captain Michael Atherton has shared his thoughts on the massive challenge India faces in replacing Virat Kohli at the crucial No.4 spot in Test cricket. With Kohli retiring from the format, India begins a new phase without either Kohli or Sachin Tendulkar at that position — a legacy spanning almost three decades.
“15 Years of Kohli and Tendulkar – Big Shoes to Fill”
Atherton, speaking to Sky Sports, said,
“You kind of pity the person who has to follow, because you’ve just had about 15 years of Kohli and before that, it was Sachin Tendulkar.”
He added that India is now entering a period of reshaping and transition, especially with the start of the new World Test Championship cycle.
“It feels as though this is the moment that India will start to regenerate and reshape their team. We’re not sure who is going to take his place at No.4 yet.”
Atherton also mentioned how much he admired Kohli’s presence at the crease, noting that his passion and intensity were impossible to ignore across all 123 Tests.
“You couldn’t take your eyes off Kohli. He put his heart and soul into Test cricket, and that energy never seemed to dim.”
Who Will Bat at No.4 for India Now?
The race to replace Kohli is currently between Shubman Gill and KL Rahul. Both players have proven their versatility in the batting order. Gill, who has been batting at No.3 recently, is seen as the future of India’s red-ball setup. KL Rahul, known for his adaptability, has been used in various middle-order roles and remains a dependable option.
If selectors prefer a fresh face, they could look at names like:
- Shreyas Iyer – talented but struggled with short balls.
- Sarfaraz Khan – a strong performer in domestic cricket, but yet to prove himself overseas.
- Karun Nair – once scored a triple century but has been absent from the national side for years.
End of an Era, Start of a New Chapter
Virat Kohli ended his Test career with 9,230 runs, 30 centuries, and a long-standing presence at No.4. His exit, just days after Rohit Sharma’s retirement, leaves India with leadership and batting gaps to fill. As the team heads into a five-Test series in England, all eyes will be on who can live up to the legacy of one of the most iconic positions in Indian cricket history.
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