With Virat Kohli retiring from Test cricket, India now faces a major challenge: who will bat at the crucial No. 4 spot? Cheteshwar Pujara believes the answer won’t come instantly and that it could take a couple of Test series to identify the ideal replacement.
Kohli’s Exit Leaves a Big Gap
Since Sachin Tendulkar’s retirement, Kohli has been India’s go-to batter at No. 4, playing 99 out of 115 Tests in that position. His absence now leaves a rare void in India’s batting lineup. In early 2024, when Kohli missed the Test series against England, multiple players including KL Rahul, Shreyas Iyer, Rajat Patidar, and Devdutt Padikkal were tried at two-down — none of them cemented the role.
Pujara said in an interview with ESPNcricinfo, “We will need a couple of series to figure out who is well suited to bat at No. 4. You need your best batter at that spot.”
Could Shubman Gill Be the Answer?
Shubman Gill, who is also in contention for Test captaincy after Rohit Sharma’s retirement, is one of the names being considered. But Pujara believes Gill might be better suited higher up the order.
“Gill is more comfortable against the new ball. He started as an opener and now bats at No. 3. He may not be as effective against the older ball,” Pujara said.
Gill has played 32 Tests so far, mostly in the top three. A shift to No. 4 would require him to adjust to a different tempo, something Pujara feels is not his natural strength — but he also says it shouldn’t be ruled out completely.
England Tour to Set the Tone
India’s next challenge will be a five-Test series in England this June, marking the beginning of a new ICC World Test Championship cycle. The conditions there will provide a stern test for whoever is chosen to fill Kohli’s role.
Pujara believes this series could reveal a long-term solution: “Someone who can perform in England will be in a strong position to own that No. 4 spot.”
As India moves into a new era without Kohli and Rohit, the No. 4 spot remains up for grabs — and the coming months could shape the future of Indian Test batting.
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