India is immediately faced with the question of who would be their future No. 4 after Virat Kohli retired from Test cricket. And according to Cheteshwar Pujara, it’s a question that might take some time to answer.
“We will need a couple of series to figure out who is well suited to bat at No. 4, because it’s an important position,” Pujara stated to ESPNcricinfo. “Your best batter should bat at number four. And as of right now, I believe the club management will still need to determine which player is best suited to start at number four.”
India hasn’t had to deal with this problem in more than ten years. Since Sachin Tendulkar’s retirement, they have played 115 Test matches, and Kohli batted at number four in 99 of them. Ajinkya Rahane, who has made nine appearances at number four, comes next. India utilised up to four batters at two-down in the final series that Kohli missed completely, the home Tests against England in early 2024: KL Rahul, Shreyas Iyer, Rajat Patidar (in two Tests), and Devdutt Padikkal.
Pujara, who finished at number four in seven Test matches from 2015 to 2023, thinks India could be wise to “take some time” before deciding on a player. “At this point, nobody has a guaranteed berth in the starting lineup because there are so many players vying for a slot. It’s a procedure that will require time.
A five-match visit of England in June will serve as India’s first task as they begin life after Kohli and Rohit Sharma. This tour will also mark the beginning of the next ICC World Test Championship cycle.
“It’s still early days to make a call, but it will be important to see who performs well in England because someone who can perform well in England can have that No. 4 spot,” Pujara stated.
Is Shubman Gill, who is also expected to succeed Rohit as Test captain after his retirement, a possibility? “He [Gill] is undoubtedly a possibility. However, he has been batting at number three,” he stated. “Will he move to a new location? Would he like to bat at number four? We shall see.
“Someone who can play the new balls better is Shubman. Prior to starting at number three, he was opening the innings. He likes to bat when the ball is fresh and a little firm. Will he be able to use the old ball effectively? At this point, that is a significant question.
Since his debut in December 2020, Gill has yet to bat outside of the top three in 32 Test matches. Prior to dropping to No. 3 at the beginning of the most recent WTC cycle in 2023, he spent the majority of his early days opening. Although he wouldn’t rule out a move to No. 4, Pujara believes Gill is most suited to remain in the top order.
He should be batting in [the] top three, which is his preferred position and one that fits him well, even though he has hit effectively with the new ball.
“If he bats at No. 4 in England and if he can be successful at that position, then, yes, he can be a No. 4 for the Indian team.”
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