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Kohli, Virat

The Legacy of No.4: India's Next Batting Icon?

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

India's long-standing batting position at No.4 has been synonymous with its best batter for nearly three decades, with Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli being the only two confirmed No.4 batters in this period. As Kohli retires, the team is searching for his successor, with legendary cricketer Anil Kumble naming Karun Nair as a strong contender for the spot.

Key Takeaways:

  • Karun Nair is considered a top contender to bat at No.4 for India, thanks to his experience in red-ball cricket and county cricket.
  • Nair has been in impressive form in domestic cricket, scoring 779 runs at 389.50 in the Vijay Hazare Trophy and 860 runs at 57.33 in red-ball cricket.
  • India has the option of putting KL Rahul at No.4, but Kumble notes that this might require trying out a new player at the top of the order, with Tamil Nadu batter Sai Sudharsan putting his hand up for that spot.
  • The team's selectors will need to consider young players who have done well in first-class cricket, such as Sudharsan, when looking ahead to the future.
  • Anil Kumble believes that Nair's domestic form and experience in England make him a strong candidate for the No.4 spot, despite being on the other side of 30.
  • Nair has a good chance of making a comeback to the Test side, with Kumble stating that he is "closer" than he was before.

Statistics:

  • Karun Nair scored 779 runs at 389.50 in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, comprising five centuries.
  • Nair scored 860 runs at 57.33 in red-ball cricket, comprising four centuries, including a match-winning knock of 135 and 85 in the final in Vidarbha's title win.
  • Virat Kohli has 15921 runs and 51 centuries to his name, making him one of the most successful batsmen in Indian cricket history.
  • Kohli batted at No.4 for India, a position that has only been occupied by two confirmed batters in the last three decades: Sachin Tendulkar and Kohli himself.

Sources:

  • [Anil Kumble, as told to ESPN Cricinfo, May 14: The Legacy of No.4: India's Next Batting Icon?]
  • [Hindustan Times, May 14: The Legacy of No.4: India's Next Batting Icon?]

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