From Tendulkar to Kohli: Who Will Be India’s Next No. 4 Test Star?

In the annals of Indian cricket, few positions have symbolized unshakable stability as much as No. 4 in the Test batting order. For an incredible 33 years, India relied on two of the game’s greatest icons—Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli—to anchor this pivotal spot. Tendulkar took over the role in 1992, and when he retired in 2013 after a legendary career, Kohli seamlessly stepped into his shoes. But with Kohli’s recent retirement, a glaring void looms large. The question on every cricket fan’s mind is simple yet daunting: Who’s next?

Let’s start with a reflection on the monumental legacy left by these two titans. Tendulkar, often hailed as the ‘God of Cricket’, played 177 Tests at No. 4, amassing 13,492 runs at a staggering average of 54.40. His tally includes 44 centuries and 58 half-centuries, numbers that speak to his unparalleled consistency. Kohli, his worthy successor, contributed 7,564 runs in 160 innings at an average of 50.09, with 26 centuries and 21 half-centuries. Together, they provided India with a bedrock of brilliance, ensuring the middle order rarely faltered, even in the toughest conditions—from the swinging pitches of England to the turning tracks of the subcontinent.

However, with Kohli hanging up his Test boots, the transition to a new era is anything but smooth. As Krishnamachari Srikkanth, former India captain and selector during Kohli’s debut, poignantly told Timesofindia.com, ‘It’s a big question, a massive void.’ Srikkanth, who witnessed Kohli’s rise firsthand, lauded his passion and aggression, calling him the ‘torch-bearer of Test cricket’. He expressed regret over Kohli not continuing as captain for a few more years, believing his leadership could have guided the team through this transition. ‘The selectors should have kept him at the helm,’ Srikkanth mused, before turning to the burning issue of his replacement.

Among the frontrunners for the coveted No. 4 spot is KL Rahul, a batter Srikkanth believes has the technique and temperament to become India’s new lynchpin. ‘He can be the backbone of this side going forward in Test cricket. The management must give him a fixed role at No. 4,’ he asserted. Rahul, with over 2,800 Test runs at an average of 34.14 as of early 2023, has shown flashes of brilliance, particularly in overseas conditions like his gritty century at Lord’s in 2021. Yet, his inconsistency and injury concerns remain points of debate.

Contrasting Srikkanth’s view is former India opener Wasim Jaffer, who pitches for the young and dynamic Shubman Gill. Often tipped as a future captain, Gill has impressed with his versatility across formats. ‘He opens in white-ball cricket, but in Tests, he needs to move down to No. 4,’ Jaffer argued. He also advocated for Rahul to continue opening alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal, especially after their promising performances in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Jaffer added that Sai Sudharsan, who has shown composure at No. 3, deserves a longer run in the side.

Adding an international perspective, former South Africa wicketkeeper Mark Boucher, who mentored Kohli during his early IPL days with Royal Challengers Bangalore, emphasized India’s depth of talent. ‘Before Tendulkar, no one expected a player of his caliber. Before Kohli, no one foresaw his dominance. Indian cricket is blessed—someone will emerge,’ Boucher said. Echoing Srikkanth, he backed Rahul for No. 4, praising his ability to adapt and dominate. ‘He’s technically sound and can shift gears when needed. A No. 4 must stabilize after early wickets or accelerate the run rate, and Rahul can do both,’ Boucher noted.

Meanwhile, KP Bhaskar, a Delhi cricket stalwart and former selector during Kohli’s Ranji days, remains optimistic about the future. ‘Sachin and Virat were godsent. They had an insatiable hunger for runs, a rare breed. But talent in India never stays hidden. Someone will fill those big shoes,’ hePredicted. Bhaskar’s faith reflects a broader sentiment—India’s domestic circuit, led by the Ranji Trophy, has historically been a goldmine for unearthing gems.

As debates swirl around Rahul, Gill, and other prospects like Ruturaj Gaikwad or even a resurgent Rishabh Pant in a new role, the selectors face a defining challenge. Srikkanth also weighed in on leadership, suggesting Jasprit Bumrah as the ideal captain, with Rahul or Pant as backups, while expressing doubts over Gill’s certainty in the Test XI. The road ahead is unclear, but one thing is certain: the No. 4 jersey carries a legacy of greatness, and whoever claims it must embody the same grit, skill, and hunger that defined Tendulkar and Kohli.

In conclusion, the search for India’s next No. 4 is more than just a positional change—it’s about preserving a tradition of excellence. Will it be Rahul’s elegance, Gill’s flair, or an unexpected prodigy from the domestic ranks? As India embarks on its next Test chapter, the cricketing world watches with bated breath. One can only hope that, just as Tendulkar passed the baton to Kohli, a new hero will rise to carry forward this storied legacy.