Cheteshwar Pujara believes that identifying a suitable replacement for Virat Kohli at No. 4 will require a few series. Pujara emphasized the importance of the position, noting that the team management will need time to determine the best candidate.
“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 said.
Since Sachin Tendulkar’s retirement, Kohli has batted at No. 4 in 99 of India’s 115 Tests, with Ajinkya Rahane being the next most frequent occupant of the position with nine appearances. In Kohli’s absence during the England series in early 2024, India used KL Rahul, Shreyas Iyer, Rajat Patidar, and Devdutt Padikkal at No. 4.
Shubman Gill is among the candidates for the position, although Pujara stated that Gill has primarily batted in the top order in his 32 Tests. Gill has performed well in the top three, but it remains uncertain whether he would be equally effective at No. 4.
India’s upcoming five-match Test series in England will be important in determining the best player for the role, as performances in English conditions will be a key factor in the decision.
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