No. 4 conundrum: Who can replace Virat Kohli in India’s Test line-up?

Dubai: Virat Kohli seems to have made up his mind about retiring from Test cricket and is unlikely to reconsider, despite appeals from the Indian board and cricket legends such as Brian Lara, according to reports.

“Kohli had informed the selectors two weeks ago about his desire to quit Tests. They were trying to persuade him to play in the Test series against England. However, he is still firm on his stance. The final call will come close to the selection meeting next week,” The Times of India quoted a source as saying. Kohli seemed to have informed the board about his decision in April.

There were also reports that Kohli had expressed interest in returning as India’s Test captain — a request the BCCI is understood to have turned down.

Lara urges Kohli to reconsider

West Indies legend Brian Lara made a public appeal on social media, saying: “Test cricket needs Virat!! He is going to be persuaded. He is NOT going to retire from Test cricket. @virat.kohli is going to average above 60 for the remainder of his Test career.”

Former India opener Navjot Singh Sidhu also urged Kohli to reconsider. “Virat Kohli’s decision that he wants to retire has created a stir across the cricketing world. His intention is right, his motive is noble — that ‘the old order must change, yielding place to the new,’” Sidhu said in a video posted on X, underlying the importance of Kohli in the absence of Rohit Sharma and Ravichandran Ashwin, who both retired.

“But the timing and occasion are not appropriate, because the pride and prestige of India are on the line. We are heading into a tour that is the toughest litmus test even for other Test-playing nations,” he added.

Despite mounting appeals, if Kohli follows through with his decision, the Indian board will be forced to name a new-look squad for the England series in the coming days — and find someone to fill the gaping void at No. 4.

Only two players occupy No 4 spot in 35 years

India’s No. 4 position has been one of the most sacred in the team’s batting order. In the last 35 years, only two batters have owned that spot — first, Sachin Tendulkar, who made it his own since his debut, and then Kohli, who stepped in to fill those monumental shoes over the past decade.

India have two technically sound batters in Shubman Gill and KL Rahul who could potentially take up the role. Rahul, who opened with Yashasvi Jaiswal in recent series, might be more effective at No. 3, pushing Gill to No. 4. Karun Nair could slot in at No. 5, with Shreyas Iyer at No. 6. The selectors may also consider a fresh face at the top, possibly handing an opportunity to Sai Sudharsan.

If Kohli does walk away, it won’t just mark the end of an era; it will test the depth, temperament, and ambition of India’s next generation. Whoever steps in will have the weight of history on their shoulders — and a golden opportunity to script their own.