Former India chief selector Saba Karim has backed KL Rahul to replace Virat Kohli at the crucial No. 4 spot in the upcoming Test series against England, following Kohli's surprise retirement. With Indian cricket in a transitional phase—after both Kohli and Rohit Sharma stepped away from Tests—Karim believes Rahul’s experience and adaptability make him the ideal candidate.
Karim told NDTV that Rahul can play a “dual role” at No. 4: stabilising the innings in case of early setbacks and guiding it forward with maturity. He pointed out that Rahul has the technique suited to English conditions, and that his recent evolution as a batter makes him a strong contender.
“In the absence of Kohli, Rahul’s role is monumental… he can negotiate early pressure and carry the innings forward. He has the right temperament and has matured over the last season and a half.”
Interestingly, KL Rahul has only batted twice at No. 4 in Tests, scoring 108 runs at an average of 54, both innings coming against England. Despite recently cementing his place as an opener in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024–25 alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal, Karim believes moving Rahul to No. 4 would better serve the team’s balance.
This view, however, contrasts with suggestions that Shubman Gill, the current captain, could slot into the No. 4 role himself. The team management will face a critical decision on whether to reposition Rahul, who is in form as an opener, or trust younger options like Sarfaraz Khan or Rajat Patidar for the middle-order duties.
The series is expected to mark the beginning of a new era in Indian Test cricket, and all eyes will be on who fills the void left by two giants of the game.
