With Virat Kohli Gone, Who Takes Guard At No. 4 In Test For India?

With Virat Kohli hanging up his boots from Test cricket, Indian selectors are staring at one of their biggest challenges yet — finding a suitable replacement for the iconic No. 4.

Kohli’s presence in the middle-order for over a decade brought balance, stability, and match-winning pedigree to the Indian Test side. As India prepares for a stern five-match away series against England starting June 20, the void at No. 4 becomes the most pressing concern for coach Gautam Gambhir and the selectors.

A mix of youth and experience is available in the domestic circuit and among former internationals, but only one can fill that coveted spot.

Here's a look at the key contenders who could take up the challenge:

1. Shreyas Iyer: The Comeback Candidate With Leadership Pedigree

Shreyas Iyer, a rising star in India's red-ball setup, finds himself at a career crossroads. After scoring a century on Test debut, his momentum was stalled by inconsistent form and injuries.

Iyer last played a Test against England in early 2024 and has underwhelming numbers outside Asia — just 75 runs in six innings. However, his leadership success in limited-overs formats, guiding both KKR and Mumbai (in domestic) to T20 titles, and his age — just 30 — make him an appealing long-term option.

With India building a younger core, Iyer could offer both batting solidity and future leadership credentials if he finds his rhythm in red-ball cricket again.

2. Karun Nair: The Experienced Resurgence with County Credentials

At 33, Karun Nair’s name has re-emerged with force in India’s middle-order conversation. A triple-centurion in Test cricket, Nair faded after just six matches due to stiff competition and lack of consistent chances. However, his domestic revival has been nothing short of remarkable.

He was the third-highest scorer in the last Ranji season and made strong contributions in the Vijay Hazare and Syed Mushtaq Ali tournaments. What makes him a standout is his County Championship stint with Northamptonshire, especially in 2024, where he scored a double century against Glamorgan.

Backed by Anil Kumble to take over the No. 4 role, Nair’s experience in English conditions could prove vital during the upcoming away series. “There has been no proper conversation around who’s going to bat at No. 4,” Kumble said on ESPNCricinfo. “When Rohit didn’t play in Australia, there was some reshuffling. Karun deserves to come back into the Indian team with the kind of domestic run he’s had."

3. Sai Sudharsan: The Next-Gen Star on the Rise

Sai Sudharsan, the 23-year-old Tamil Nadu batter, is quietly emerging as a strong option for India’s Test middle-order. Though known primarily as an opener, his compact technique and maturity make him a strong fit at No. 4 as well.

He’s been in scintillating form in domestic red-ball cricket, with 304 runs in just three Ranji matches this year, including a double-century, a ton, and a fifty. His First-Class average of nearly 40 from 29 games, complemented by seven hundreds, highlights a temperament suited for the longer format.

With the selectors leaning towards a youthful core, Sudharsan could be fast-tracked as the next batting mainstay.

The selection dilemma boils down to experience versus promise. Karun Nair offers the wisdom of years and a strong case based on recent County and domestic success. Shreyas Iyer brings leadership qualities and an age advantage, though his overseas Test record needs improvement.

Meanwhile, Sai Sudharsan’s recent form and long-term potential may tempt selectors to roll the dice on fresh talent. With Kohli’s boots too large for a direct replacement, India may choose to define a new path for its No. 4 — whether through proven grit, a second wind, or youthful flair.