Cheteshwar Pujara Discusses India's Search for Virat Kohli's Successor at No. 4

Pujara on Finding Kohli's Replacement

Cheteshwar Pujara has expressed that it will take time for India to find a suitable long-term replacement for Virat Kohli at the No. 4 position in Test cricket. Although Kohli has not officially retired, Pujara believes that the team needs to go through a couple of series to identify the right candidate for this crucial role.

With Kohli's exit from the format, India is confronted with the challenge of filling a position that has been stable for over a decade.

In an interview with a sports news outlet, Pujara stated:

"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. You need your best batter to bat at No. 4."

Kohli has played at No. 4 in 99 out of 115 Tests since the retirement of Sachin Tendulkar. His departure leaves India with the task of nurturing a new cornerstone in the middle order.

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During Kohli's absence in the recent home series against England, India experimented with four different players in the No. 4 spot, including KL Rahul, Shreyas Iyer, Rajat Patidar, and Devdutt Padikkal. However, Pujara, who has participated in 103 Tests, emphasizes the importance of not rushing the decision.

"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."

The Importance of Performance in England

India's new World Test Championship cycle kicks off with a challenging five-Test series in England starting in June. For Pujara, this series will be a critical evaluation period for identifying the next No. 4.

"It's still early days to make a call, but it will be important to see who performs well in England because someone who can perform well in England can have that No. 4 spot," he said.

Shubman Gill is among the candidates for the position, having recently batted at No. 3 and being considered for Test captaincy. However, Pujara is uncertain about moving Gill down the order.

"He [Gill] is an option, definitely... but he prefers to bat when the ball is slightly hard and new. Will he be able to manage with the old ball? That is a big question at this stage."

Pujara, who will turn 38 next year, has not completely ruled himself out of contention. Given his experience and steady demeanor in tough situations, he could still be called upon, especially during a challenging tour of England where experience is often key.

Pujara has played 27 Tests against England, accumulating 1778 runs, including five centuries and seven half-centuries, with a top score of an unbeaten 206 against them. Notably, he has played more matches against England than any other team.