England vs India 2025: Who can replace Virat Kohli at No. 4 in Tests after his retirement in Team India?
When Virat Kohli, the ‘King’ of Indian cricket, bid farewell to the Test format, it left a huge void in the batting order. For years, Kohli had anchored India’s innings at No 4 with unmatched consistency and passion. As the cricketing world absorbed the news of his retirement, one question echoed among fans and experts alike: Who will take over the iconic No 4 spot in India’s Test team?
As it turns out, the answer has been quietly preparing for this moment. Shubman Gill, often dubbed the ‘Prince’ of Indian cricket, is ready to take the baton forward, at least for the first Test against England at Headingley, starting June 20. After days of speculation, vice-captain Rishabh Pant confirmed in a press conference that Gill will bat at No 4 in the opening match of the five-Test series, marking the beginning of a new chapter for India’s Test team following the retirements of both Kohli and Rohit Sharma.
Gill’s test journey so far
Shubman Gill made his Test debut in December 2020 and has since steadily cemented his place in India’s squad. In 32 Test matches, the 25-year-old has scored 1,893 runs at an average of 35.03. His strike rate of 59.92 reflects his positive approach, even in challenging conditions. He has hit five centuries and seven half-centuries, with 210 boundaries and 31 sixes to his name.
These numbers are particularly impressive considering Gill often opened the innings, facing the new ball in testing overseas conditions.
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Rising to the occasion
What sets Gill apart is not just his technical ability but also his calm head in high-pressure situations. Some of his finest knocks have come when the team needed him the most:
The Gabba, 2021: In what became one of India’s greatest Test victories, Gill played a match-defining 91 in the fourth innings. Facing a fiery Australia pace attack, the young batter showed remarkable composure and maturity beyond his years.
Chattogram, 2022: Gill brought up his maiden Test century (110) against Bangladesh, proving that he could convert starts into big scores.
Vizag, 2024: Against England, Gill once again stepped up, stabilising the innings after early wickets and showcasing his adaptability and presence of mind under pressure.
Although these innings didn’t come at the No 4 position, but it speaks volumes as to why Gill could be the best to replace Virat Kohli. These innings underline the qualities needed for a No 4 batter, which is grit, composure, and the ability to absorb pressure and turn the tide in favour of the team.
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Solid first-class credentials
Gill’s record in first-class cricket adds further weight to his case. In 61 matches, he has scored 4587 runs at an average of 47.28, including 14 centuries and 19 half-centuries. These numbers prove that Gill has the stamina and technique to build long innings, an essential trait for a batter at No 4.
Moreover, his calm approach, leadership qualities, and hunger for success have already earned him the Test captaincy, a rare achievement at such a young age. His demeanour reminds many of a young Kohli, driven, composed, and ready to lead from the front.
The competition for No 4
Though Gill has been chosen to begin India’s new era at No 4, he isn’t the only name in contention for long term. Others, like KL Rahul, Karun Nair, Rajat Patidar, and Sarfaraz Khan, can also be considered.
KL Rahul: Known for his versatility, KL Rahul has been used in various roles, from opener to middle-order batter. In 83 Test innings, he has scored 2,803 runs at an average of 35.03, with 14 fifties and seven centuries. However, he has played only two innings at No. 4, scoring 108 runs—not a big enough sample to draw conclusions.
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Sarfaraz Khan: The 27-year-old had a stellar domestic record before earning his Test debut against England in Rajkot in 2024. He later scored his maiden Test century against New Zealand. Though he warmed the bench during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Sarfaraz Khan remains a strong contender for a middle-order role in the future.
Karun Nair: In just six Tests, Karun Nair has scored 374 runs at an average of 62.33 and an impressive strike rate of 73.91. His standout performance remains the unbeaten 303 against England in 2016. However, with limited recent international exposure, he might be considered more for the No. 3 slot.
Stepping into Kohli’s shoes
Virat Kohli’s record at No 4 is extraordinary: 7,564 runs at an average of 50.09, with 26 centuries. Replacing a legend of that stature is no easy task. But Shubman Gill seems ready, not just to fill the spot, but to make it his own.
With age on his side, impressive numbers already under his belt and an evolving game that matches the demands of modern Test cricket, Gill is poised to carry forward the legacy. More than just a successor, he represents the new face of Indian cricket—a blend of tradition and future promise.
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