Shubman Gill, Rahul Lead Five Contenders to Fill Kohli’s Test No. 4 Void
In the history of Indian Test cricket, an unfillable void arguably exists at No.4 in the batting order with the grand presence of Virat Kohli.
Shubman Gill, KL Rahul: 5 Players Who Can Replace Virat Kohli?
In the history of Indian Test cricket, an unfillable void arguably exists at No.4 in the batting order with the grand presence of Virat Kohli. But there is a strong cadre of batting talent capable of stepping up if given the chance. Here are five players who could be tried for this important role in the team:
1. Shubman Gill:
Gill seems a quick learner since his Test debut in December 2020, showing glances of immense talent. He opened the innings occasionally but has mostly found his place in the middle order. He has a test batting average of around 35, having scored 5 centuries and 7 half-centuries in 32 matches, which fully qualified him in terms of technique and temperament to play Test cricket. He has an aggressive yet composed approach and is well-equipped to play both pace and spin, thus making him a strong candidate.
2. KL Rahul:
An experienced campaigner KL Rahul has thus far played 58 Test matches, scoring over 3200 runs at an average of just under 33. He has hit 8 Test centuries and 17 half-centuries, with his highest score being 199. Rahul essentially opened in Tests but has also played in the middle order, including at No. 4. This flexibility combined with fine experience at a number of batting positions makes a strong case.
3. Sarfaraz Khan:
Sarfaraz Khan is a prolific run-scorer in domestic cricket for a long time and finally entered the Test scene in February 2024. He has scored 371 runs in his initial 6 Test matches at an average of over 37, including a century and three fifties. With an aggressive and unorthodox approach, he has the ability to bully the opposition bowlers.
4. Yashasvi Jaiswal:
A left-hand orthodox batsman, Yashasvi Jaiswal has made an impressive start to his Test career, having debuted in July 2023. In 19 Test matches, he has scored close to 1800 runs at a remarkable average of 52, with 4 centuries and 10 fifties, and a top score of 214. He is primarily an opener, but has the capability to attack and score errands. Jaiswal is new into Test cricket, but given his temperament and love for making big scores, he could easily be up for the No. 4 position.
5. Shreyas Iyer:
Shreyas Iyer made a Test debut in December 2021, and in 14 Test matches, has scored 811 runs at an average of around 37, with a century and 5 fifties. He is aggressive and has the ability to play spin well. He has predominantly batted in the middle order. He has experience in pressure situations in white ball cricket, so he could be suited to test match situations too. His century on debut, against New Zealand, showcased his potential to deal in the longer version.
All of these players have varied backgrounds in terms of skills and experiences. However, the eventual decision on who could fill Virat Kohli’s No 4 will depend entirely on the team management, and the respective conditions.
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