Cheteshwar Pujara believes India will need time to identify Virat Kohli’s long-term replacement at No. 4 in Test cricket. While he hasn't retired yet, Pujara feels that India must take at least a couple of series before figuring out their option.
Following Kohli’s retirement from the format, India are facing a rare dilemma: filling a position that’s been locked down for over a decade.
Speaking to , Pujara said:
"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."
batted at No. 4 in 99 of India’s 115 Tests since Sachin Tendulkar’s retirement. With his departure, India now faces the challenge of grooming a new pillar in the middle order.
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During Kohli’s absence in the home series against England earlier this year, India tested four different players at the spot, including KL Rahul, Shreyas Iyer, Rajat Patidar, and Devdutt Padikkal. But Pujara, who has played 103 Tests for India, believes the team must not rush into a 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."
"Someone who performs in England can claim that spot"
India’s new World Test Championship cycle begins with a tough five-Test series in England starting in June. For Pujara, that series could be the litmus test for India's 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.
One of the players in contention is Shubman Gill, who has recently been batting at No. 3 and is a contender for Test captaincy. But Pujara remains unsure if Gill should be moved down.
"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 turns 38 next year, hasn’t ruled himself out entirely. With his experience and calm presence in challenging conditions, he may yet be called upon again, especially on a difficult England tour where experience often proves decisive.
Notably, Pujara has played 27 Tests against England and has scored 1778 runs. He has five hundreds and seven half-centuries with the best of an unbeaten 206 against England. In fact, Pujara's most matches in Test cricket came against England.
