In a matter of days after Rohit Sharma bid adieu to Test cricket, India was hit with another massive announcement—Virat Kohli too decided to walk away from the longest format of the game. With over a decade of dominance, composure, and match-winning performances, Kohli leaves behind a massive void, especially in the No. 4 position—a spot he made his own after the legendary Sachin Tendulkar’s retirement.

Since Tendulkar’s exit in 2013, Kohli occupied the crucial No. 4 position in 99 of India’s 115 Tests, becoming the spine of India’s batting line-up across all conditions. His absence now forces Indian selectors and team management to hunt for a successor who can anchor the innings and deliver in pressure situations.

India’s No. 4 conundrum: A battle between form and fit

Replacing a batter of Kohli’s caliber won’t be easy. The recent home series against England in early 2024, where Kohli missed out, highlighted the uncertainty. India tried as many as four batters at No. 4—KL Rahul, Shreyas Iyer, Rajat Patidarand Devdutt Padikkal—without any of them nailing down the role.

With a five-match away series against England looming large as India’s first assignment of the new World Test Championship cycle, the pressure is on. The team needs clarity, but with no obvious heir to Kohli’s throne, the No. 4 spot remains up for grabs.

“There are a lot of players who are making their way into the playing XI, no one has a secured spot at this stage. It’s a process which will take some time,” said veteran batter Cheteshwar Pujara in a conversation with ESPNcricinfo.

Cheteshwar Pujara names his pick to succeed Virat Kohli at No. 4

While weighing in on the search for India’s next No. 4, Pujara acknowledged the significance of the role, calling it a “position for your best batter.” He believes the coming tour of England will be a testing ground for potential candidates.

“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. At this time, I think it’s still a spot where the team management will have to figure out who is the most suited player,” added Pujara.

When asked if Shubman Gill, India’s current No. 3 and a potential future Test captain, could be the answer, Pujara didn’t rule it out—but remained cautious.

“He [Gill] is an option, definitely. But he has been batting at No. 3, Shubman prefers facing the newer ball. He started as an opener and now bats at No. 3. Moving to No. 4 means adjusting to an older ball, and that’s a big question at this stage,” explained the veteran India batter.

Still, Pujara acknowledged that if Gill performs well in England at No. 4, he could cement that role.  He said: “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.”