Strong Contenders to Replace Virat Kohli at No.4 in Test Cricket After His Retirement! 

Team India’s star batter Virat Kohli announced his retirement from test cricket on Monday, May 12, via an Instagram post. 

The 36-year-old’s silent exit from the test without a grand farewell draws curtains on his 14-year remarkable career filled with excellence and great achievements. 

Kohli’s timing to quit test cricket left selectors in a dilemma to find an ideal batter who could strengthen India’s middle-order batting line-up on a long-term basis. 

Furthermore, the challenges escalate to a peak level to find a potential candidate of his caliber in the longest format of cricket. 

Let’s take a look at the top six eligible contenders who can step into Kohli’s role at the No.4 spot, not only for the upcoming England tour, but also for the future of Indian test cricket as well. 

1. KL Rahul: 

KL Rahul’s flexibility to bat as an opener and middle-order makes him a perfect batsman to replace Virat Kohli at No.4. 

Rahul accumulated 3,257 runs in 101 test innings when batted at these different positions in the batting order: 

• 1st Position: 1,601 runs in 41 innings (Average: 40.02, Strike Rate: 52.76, 100s: 4, 50s: 8, Best Score: 199).
• 2nd Position: 1,202 runs in 42 innings (Average: 30.05, Strike Rate: 49.28, 100s: 3, 50s: 6, Best Score: 129).  
• 3rd Position: 112 runs in 7 innings (Average: 16, Strike Rate: 60.21, 100s: 0, 50s: 1, Best Score: 54).  
• 4th Position: 108 runs in 2 innings (Average: 54, Strike Rate: 63.15, 100s: 0, 50s: 1, Best Score: 86).  
• 6th Position: 234 runs in 9 innings (Average: 29.25, Strike Rate: 69.23, 100s: 1, 50s: 1, Best Score: 101)

The 33-year-old is known for his composed demeanor and is eligible enough to anchor the team’s innings under pressure while batting at the fourth position. 

2. Sarfaraz Khan: 

Sarfaraz Khan has been one of the consistent middle-order batters for India since his test debut in the 5-match home test series against England last year. 

The 27-year-old scored 371 runs in 11 innings and has been at his best when batting between the 4th and 6th positions in tests: 

• 4th position: 150 runs in 2 innings (Average: 75, Strike Rate: 75.75, 100s: 1, 50s: 0, Best Score: 150).
• 5th position: 56 runs in 1 inning (Average: 56, Strike Rate: 93.33, 100s: 0, 50s: 1, Best Score: 56).
• 6th position: 156 runs in 4 innings (Average: 31.20, Strike Rate: 71.55, 100s: 0, 50s: 2, Best Score: *68). 

It is noteworthy to know that Sarfaraz slammed his maiden test century and recorded his career best score against New Zealand when batted at No.4. 

The right-handed ability to play longer innings and anchor India’s innings in challenging conditions makes him an ideal replacement for Virat Kohli in the middle order. 

3. Shreyas Iyer: 

With Shreyas Iyer establishing his dominance as an all-format middle-order batter, he might make a comeback in test cricket in the forthcoming England tour.  

The right-handed batter played a key role in India’s triumphant campaign in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, batting at the No.4 spot. 

Iyer scored 811 runs in 24 innings at an average of 36.86 and a strike rate of 63.01. Based on Shreyas’ superb form in recent matches, the selectors might give him another opportunity to fill Virat’s absence at No.4 in tests. 

4. Shubman Gill: 

Being a consistent performer, Shubman Gill accumulated 3,159 runs in 59 innings as a top-order batter since his test debut in December 2020. 

Even though the 25-year-old is believed to be Virat Kohli’s successor, he is yet to prove his potential as a middle-order batter in the longest format. Possibly, Gill’s test career might be elevated to the next level if he makes a transition to the No.4 spot. 

5. Karun Nair: 

Karun Nair has a stronger chance of making a comeback in test cricket, given his solid performance against the Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. Also, his triple century against England, back in 2016, makes him the second Indian to achieve this feat after Virender Sehwag. 

Most importantly, his recent form in the Ranji Trophy highlights his ability to take on the strong bowling attack, thereby making him one of the promising options to replace Kohli at No.4. 

6. Sai Sudharsan: 

Sai Sudharsan, who has been a star performer for the Gujarat Titans in IPL 2025, is expected to make his test debut soon. The left-handed batter’s composed attitude and ability to bat longer make him an eligible candidate to take over Kohli’s role at No.4.