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The departure of Virat Kohli from Test cricket has left a gaping hole in the Indian batting lineup, particularly at the crucial No. 4 position. For nearly 33 years, from Sachin Tendulkar's ascent to that spot in 1992 to Kohli's reign after Tendulkar's retirement in 2013, India enjoyed unparalleled stability and reliability at that position. This era of consistency is now over, posing a significant challenge for selectors and team management as they search for a suitable successor. Tendulkar's record at No. 4 is legendary: 13,492 runs in 177 Tests, averaging 54.40 with 44 centuries and 58 half-centuries. Kohli, while not quite matching Tendulkar's staggering numbers, also established himself as a formidable presence, accumulating 7,564 runs in 160 innings at an average of 50.09, including 26 centuries and 21 half-centuries. The sheer volume of runs and the consistent performance of these two batting giants created a sense of assurance and allowed the rest of the batting order to play with greater freedom. The transition from Tendulkar to Kohli was remarkably seamless, a testament to Kohli's talent and temperament. Now, however, the uncertainty surrounding the No. 4 position is palpable, and the pressure is on to find a player capable of shouldering the responsibility and delivering consistent results. Former India captain Krishnamachari Srikkanth aptly describes the situation as “a big question, a massive void.” He emphasizes Kohli's passion and aggression, qualities that made him a torch-bearer for Test cricket. Srikkanth believes that KL Rahul possesses the right technique and experience to fill the void, advocating for him to be given a fixed role at No. 4. He sees Rahul as a potential “lynchpin” of the Indian Test batting lineup. Wasim Jaffer, another former India opener, shares the sentiment regarding Kohli's retirement and suggests Shubman Gill as a candidate for the No. 4 position. Jaffer acknowledges Gill's success as an opener in white-ball cricket but believes he needs to move down the order in Test cricket. He suggests maintaining the opening partnership of KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal, who performed well in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, and giving Sai Sudharsan a longer run at No. 3. Srikkanth, however, raises concerns about Gill's guaranteed place in the Test XI, suggesting that the captaincy should be entrusted to Jasprit Bumrah or, if he is unavailable, to KL Rahul or Rishabh Pant. Mark Boucher, the former South African wicketkeeper who played a role in Kohli's early career, takes a more optimistic view. He believes that India is blessed with talent and that a suitable replacement will emerge. He emphasizes the importance of finding a player who is technically sound and mentally tough enough to withstand pressure and dominate attacks. Boucher also supports KL Rahul for the No. 4 role, citing his strong technique and ability to bat both defensively and aggressively. KP Bhaskar, a seasoned Delhi cricketer, echoes the sentiment that India will find a player to fill the No. 4 position. He acknowledges the exceptional talent and hunger of Tendulkar and Kohli, describing them as “godsent” and a “rare breed.” He expresses confidence that a player will emerge through the ranks to make that position his own. The challenge for the selectors is to identify a player who not only possesses the technical skills and temperament required for Test cricket but also has the mental fortitude to handle the pressure of batting at No. 4, a position previously occupied by two of the greatest batsmen in the history of the game. This decision will likely shape the future of the Indian Test batting lineup for years to come.
The discussion surrounding who should succeed Virat Kohli at No. 4 highlights the importance of this particular batting position in Test cricket. Traditionally, the No. 4 batsman is considered the backbone of the batting order, the player who provides stability and anchors the innings. They are expected to be technically proficient, mentally resilient, and capable of both defending against quality bowling and attacking when the opportunity arises. The ability to rotate the strike, build partnerships, and score consistently are also crucial attributes. Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli exemplified these qualities, and their success at No. 4 allowed India to dominate opposition attacks and win crucial matches. Finding a player who can replicate their impact, or even come close, is a daunting task. KL Rahul, as suggested by Srikkanth and Boucher, offers experience and technical soundness. He has shown the ability to score runs in Test cricket, both at the top of the order and in the middle order. However, his consistency has been questioned at times, and he will need to demonstrate greater resilience and temperament to solidify his place at No. 4. Shubman Gill, as proposed by Jaffer, possesses immense talent and potential. He has already made a significant impact in white-ball cricket and has shown glimpses of his ability in Test cricket. However, he is still relatively young and inexperienced, and he will need time to adapt to the demands of batting in the middle order in Test cricket. The fact that Srikkanth questions his guaranteed place in the Test XI adds another layer of complexity to the situation. The selectors also need to consider other potential candidates who may not be currently in the spotlight. They may need to look at domestic cricket and identify players who have consistently performed well in first-class matches. The key is to find a player who not only has the talent and technique but also possesses the mental toughness and temperament required to succeed at the highest level. The process of identifying and grooming the next No. 4 may take time, and India may need to experiment with different players and combinations before finding the right fit. In the meantime, the pressure will be on the other batsmen in the lineup to step up and contribute. The team will need to work together as a unit to overcome the void left by Kohli's departure and maintain its competitiveness in Test cricket.
Beyond the immediate concern of finding a replacement for Virat Kohli, the situation also raises broader questions about the future of Indian Test cricket. The retirements of senior players like Tendulkar and Kohli inevitably lead to a period of transition and uncertainty. It is during these periods that new leaders and stars emerge. The challenge for Indian cricket is to ensure that it continues to develop young talent and provide them with the opportunities to learn and grow. The domestic cricket structure plays a crucial role in this process. It is essential that young players are given the exposure and experience they need to prepare them for the challenges of international cricket. The selectors also need to be willing to take risks and invest in young players, even if it means enduring some short-term setbacks. The appointment of the next captain is another important decision that will shape the future of Indian Test cricket. Srikkanth's suggestion that Jasprit Bumrah should be considered for the captaincy, even if he is not a guaranteed starter in every match, highlights the importance of leadership qualities. The captain needs to be a player who commands respect, inspires his teammates, and can make strategic decisions under pressure. The captain also needs to be someone who is committed to the long-term success of Indian cricket and who can help to build a strong team culture. The future of Indian Test cricket is bright, despite the challenges posed by the retirements of senior players. The country has a wealth of talent, and the selectors are committed to finding the right players to lead the team forward. With careful planning and a commitment to developing young talent, India can maintain its position as one of the leading Test-playing nations in the world. The next chapter in Indian cricket history is about to be written, and it will be fascinating to see who emerges as the new heroes and leaders of the game. The legacy of Tendulkar and Kohli will undoubtedly inspire future generations of Indian cricketers, and their contributions to the game will never be forgotten. The search for the next No. 4 is just one part of a larger process of renewal and regeneration, and it is a process that will ultimately strengthen Indian cricket for years to come.
Source: Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli gave India 33 years of unbelievable stability at No. 4. Who next?