As India prepares for the five-match Test series against England, commencing on June 20, 2025, at Headingley in Leeds, Virat Kohli bid adieu from Test cricket has left a significant void at the No.4 batting position. Virat Kohli, a linchpin of India’s batting lineup for over a decade, was renowned for his ability to stabilize and dominate at this crucial spot.
With the series marking the start of the 2025-2027 ICC World Test Championship cycle, the Indian team management faces the challenge of selecting a batter capable of filling these big shoes. The leading contenders are KL Rahul, Karun Nair, and Sai Sudharsan, with Shubman Gill also mentioned, though his role as captain may see him bat higher up the order.
A New Era for Indian Cricket
The Indian squad, announced in May 2025, includes a mix of seasoned players and emerging talents, reflecting a transitional phase following the retirements of both Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. The No.4 position is pivotal in Test cricket, requiring a batter who can stabilize the innings after the openers and set the stage for the middle order.
India’s recent performances, including a 0-3 home series loss to New Zealand and a 1-3 defeat in Australia, underscore the need for a reliable No.4 to counter England’s aggressive “Bazball” approach and their formidable bowling attack.
Contenders for the No.4 Spot
KL Rahul: The Experienced Campaigner
KL Rahul, known for his elegant strokeplay and adaptability, is a frontrunner for the No.4 position. Having batted across various positions, including as an opener and at No.5, KL Rahul’s experience in English conditions makes him a strong candidate. His recent performances in domestic cricket and the IPL 2025 demonstrate his form, and his ability to handle pressure situations could be crucial against England’s pace and spin attack. Rahul’s versatility and calm demeanor position him as a reliable choice to anchor the middle order.
Karun Nair: The Resurgent Talent
Karun Nair, who made headlines with a triple century against England in 2016, has earned a recall to the Test squad through consistent performances in domestic cricket and the IPL. His patient approach and solid technique, particularly against spin, make him a compelling option for No.4. Nair’s ability to play long innings could provide the stability India needs, especially on turning tracks in England. His resurgence signals a potential return to form, making him a dark horse in this race.
Sai Sudharsan: The Rising Star
Sai Sudharsan, a young left-handed batter, has emerged as a promising talent, often compared to Virat Kohli for his aggressive yet composed batting style. His standout performances in IPL 2025, including a century against Chennai Super Kings, highlight his potential to strengthen India’s middle order. Sudharsan’s ability to rotate the strike and accelerate when needed aligns with the demands of modern Test cricket. If given the opportunity, he could establish himself as a long-term solution at No.4, potentially becoming the next Kohli.
Shubman Gill: The Captain’s Role
Shubman Gill, appointed as India’s Test captain for the series, is another name in the conversation for No.4. However, with Yashasvi Jaiswal likely to open, Gill is expected to bat at No.3 or open alongside him, leveraging his prowess against fast bowling to set the tone early. While Gill’s talent allows him to bat anywhere, his leadership responsibilities and recent form suggest he will slot higher up the order, reducing his likelihood of filling the No.4 role.
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Squad Overview and Batting Order
The Indian Test squad for the England series includes a robust batting lineup, with players like Yashasvi Jaiswal, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Rishabh Pant, Dhruv Jurel, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Ravindra Jadeja alongside Rahul, Nair, and Sudharsan. The likely top order features Jaiswal and Easwaran opening, with Gill at No.3, leaving the No.4 spot open for one of the contenders. The following table summarizes the key candidates for the No.4 position:
Sai Sudharsan’s meteoric rise has drawn significant attention, with many seeing him as the heir to Kohli’s legacy. His performances in the IPL and domestic cricket showcase a blend of aggression and composure, reminiscent of Kohli in his prime. Sudharsan’s ability to adapt to different situations and his hunger for runs make him a standout candidate. His inclusion in the squad and performances in the India A tour, where he scored briskly, further bolster his case. If he secures the No.4 spot, Sudharsan could cement his place as a cornerstone of India’s Test batting for years to come.
Challenges Ahead
India’s batting lineup will face a stern test against England’s aggressive style, led by Ben Stokes, and their potent bowling attack, including James Anderson (if selected) and others. The No.4 batter will need to counter early movement in English conditions and adapt to spin later in the series. The team’s recent struggles in Test cricket, coupled with the absence of both Kohli and Sharma, heighten the pressure on the new middle order to deliver.
The No.4 position is a critical cog in India’s batting machinery, and the choice between KL Rahul, Karun Nair, and Sai Sudharsan will shape India’s fortunes in this series. Rahul’s experience, Nair’s resilience, and Sudharsan’s potential offer different flavors, each capable of filling the void left by Kohli. As India embarks on this new chapter under Shubman Gill’s leadership, the battle for No.4 will be a defining storyline in what promises to be a thrilling contest against England.