With Virat Kohli retiring from Test cricket, India needs to find a reliable replacement for the No. 4 batting slot. Kohli has been the mainstay of India’s middle order, and replacing him will need someone with technical skills, temperament, and consistency. These are five players who might rise to the occasion. Here is the analysis of 5 players who can replace Virat Kohli in test matches.
1. Sarfaraz Khan – The Domestic Run Machine
Sarfaraz Khan has been a red-ball performer for domestic cricket and has always produced big scores. His pressure-handling skills and ability to play long innings make him a top contender. He has already impressed in his limited Test outings, proving his ability to adjust to international cricket.
2. Shreyas Iyer – The Aggressive Middle-Order Option
Previous incarnation as a certain Test player in another life for his breakaway with the BCCI, Shreyas Iyer was India’s sure thing for the Test side. With his big striking ability as much as his turn-taking skills, he can even become the ideal backup. Having established that he is capable of providing match-winning scores, with the return to form, if at all that happens, he can prove himself to be invaluable selection at the No. 4 position.
3. Sai Sudharsan – The Young Promising Player
His outings in the domestic matches and IPL cricket have been reliable. As an opener, he possessed an attacking style of play which will make it easy for him to shift to the No. 4 position. He is capable of playing long innings and rotating strike well.
4. Rajat Patidar – The RCB Star
Kohli’s RCB teammate, Rajat Patidar, has shown his ability to play match-winning knocks in pressure situations. His strong domestic record and ability to handle pace and spin make him a viable option. Patidar’s temperament and attacking mindset could help India maintain its aggressive approach in Tests.
5. Karun Nair – The Forgotten Triple Centurion
Karun Nair, who had hit a triple century in Tests in the past, has played some excellent cricket in domestic cricket. If he is given another chance, he might provide solidity to India’s middle order. His long-form game and ability to stabilize the batting order might make him a viable candidate to replace Kohli.
India’s selectors will have a tough decision ahead as they look for the right successor to Kohli’s legendary Test career. With multiple talented players vying for the spot, the competition will be fierce.
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