Virat Kohli stunned the cricketing world on Monday, May 12, by announcing his Test retirement. The Indian legend took to Instagram to share his decision, closing the curtains on a majestic red-ball career. With 9,230 runs in 210 innings, with 30 centuries and an awe-inspiring average of 46.85, Kohli will leave behind a legacy that would be difficult to surpass. His decision comes just weeks before India embarks on a five-match Test tour to England - the first assignment in the 2025–2027 World Test Championship (WTC) cycle. The pressing question now is: who can replace Virat Kohli at No. 4 in Tests? India’s middle order has long revolved around Kohli’s consistency, grit, and unmatched energy. Replacing such a biggie won't be simple, but the selectors have a few good prospects in mind to pick from. There are some who have already played in whites, while others are on the verge of Test breakthroughs. Let's see 5 Players Who Can Replace Virat Kohli at No. 4 in India’s Test Team, beginning with the England tour and beyond. 5 Players Who Can Replace Virat Kohli at No. 4 in India’s Test Team Players Age Test Debut Sarfaraz Khan 27 2024 Shreyas Iyer 30 2021 KL Rahul 33 2014 Sai Sudharsan 23 Yet to debut Shubman Gill 25 2020 5 Players Who Can Replace Virat Kohli at No. 4 in India’s Test Team Detailed Analysis Sarfaraz Khan Image Source : Getty Images Sarfaraz Khan is arguably the most glaring candidate to replace Kohli. The 27-year-old finally made his Test debut in 2024 against England, scoring fifties in both innings. He followed up by scoring his first Test century against New Zealand later in the year. Even with limited chances, Sarfaraz has demonstrated the potential to play under pressure before. His aggressive style, particularly against spin, and his quick-scoring capability make him an asset at No. 4. Having ruled the Ranji Trophy for a few seasons, Sarfaraz has waited long enough for this opportunity - and now could be the ideal moment for India to give him a regular spot in the Test line-up. Also Read | 5 Best Knocks by Virat Kohli in IPL History Shreyas Iyer Image Source : Associated Press Shreyas Iyer has had an inconsistent red-ball cricket career but is still the top contender to fit in for Virat Kohli at No. 4 in Test cricket. He has played 14 Tests, earning 811 runs at 36.86, with a debut century against New Zealand. Iyer is renowned for his positive mindset and great play against spin and also has the experience and confidence to offer. While his vulnerability to the short-ball previously was a cause for concern, he has improved in the last few months. In the absence of Kohli, Iyer's aggressive approach may provide India with the much-needed momentum in the middle order, especially in home conditions and turning tracks overseas. KL Rahul Image Source : Getty Images KL Rahul's versatility makes him a likely candidate to fill the No. 4 spot. Though his main function has been that of an opener, Rahul has played at other positions in all three formats and performed well as a middle-order batsman in ODIs. Though his humble Test average of 33.58 in 58 games is not much to write home about, Rahul has demonstrated the temperament required in Tests abroad — particularly in England and Australia. If India wishes to offer young players such as Sudharsan a chance at the top, Rahul's experience and serenity might anchor the middle order. Without Kohli, India might require just that: experience mixed with flexibility. Sai Sudharsan Image Source : Getty Images Sai Sudharsan has not yet made his Test debut, but his recent emergence has been impressive. The 23-year-old left-handed batsman impressed in ODIs against South Africa and was particularly impressive in India A's Australian tour. He has a robust technique, wonderful temperament, and the capability of batting long; Sudharsan can be developed as a long-term middle-order batsman. His game in the IPL and domestic circuit has proved him capable of enduring pressure, and selectors may ponder fast-tracking him into the red-ball system. Replacing Virat Kohli at No. 4 in Tests won’t be easy, but grooming Sudharsan now could yield long-term rewards. Also Read | Virat Kohli Biography: Age, Records, Personal Life, Achievements - All Details Shubman Gill Image Source : Getty Images Seen by many as Kohli’s spiritual successor, Shubman Gill has already shown class with the bat in Test cricket. Ever since he made his first appearance in 2020, he has featured in 32 Tests and batted everywhere but one spot – predominantly at the opening spot or No. 3. Having scored 1,900+ Test runs, Gill's style, finesse, and audacious stroke play have earned him comparisons to legends of the game. As he continues to evolve, an enduring shift to No. 4 might just open up new levels to his game. His familiarity with pace and swing, especially in England, adds to his credentials as one of the top picks to replace Kohli in India’s red-ball future. Conclusion Virat Kohli’s retirement from Tests marks the end of an era - but also the beginning of a new chapter in Indian cricket. The number four position has been the cornerstone of India's Test batting order for over a decade. Now, it’s time to look ahead. From Sarfaraz Khan’s domestic dominance to Shubman Gill’s elegance, India has a mix of experienced campaigners and exciting young prospects to consider. Choosing the right player won't just be about replacing Kohli’s numbers - but also finding someone who can thrive under pressure, play match-defining knocks, and lead the next generation of Indian cricket. The journey to find 5 Players Who Can Replace Virat Kohli at No. 4 in India’s Test Team is underway - and the battle for that spot will define India's Test fortunes in the years to come.