Matthew Hayden Picks His Choice To Fill Virat Kohli’s No. 4 Spot In Test Cricket

With Virat Kohli’s sudden retirement just before the England Test series, India’s once-solid No. 4 slot has been thrown into uncertainty. That batting position—a stronghold under Kohli—now requires someone with stability, technique, and match-winning temperament. Former Australian opener Matthew Hayden believes KL Rahul fits that bill perfectly.

On Star Sports’ Game Plan, Hayden hailed Rahul as an “ideal, like-for-like replacement” for Kohli—someone whose technique thrives in the middle order. “He is your best Test player… custom-made for No. 4,” Hayden stated, suggesting India could shield Rahul from the challenging new-ball conditions faced by openers overseas.

Why No. 4 Needs Reinvention

Traditionally, the No. 4 spot in Test cricket requires:

Technical maturity: to rebuild after early collapses.
Temperament: to bat through untested phases of the innings.
Experience: to handle pressure in foreign conditions.

Kohli epitomized this role—brilliant in control and prolific in scoring. With him gone, India must find a replacement who brings both class and experience.

Why KL Rahul Makes Sense

Hayden highlighted Rahul’s impressive stats at No. 4: two innings yielding 108 runs at an average of 54.00—solid proof of his suitability down the order.

Further, Rahul has fared better in England Test conditions: in nine matches, he has amassed 614 runs at 34.11, with two centuries—evidence he can handle movement if he’s coming in after the new ball has softened .

Hayden explained:

“That bit of protection around your best player… maybe the best place to bat in England… when the damage is done with the new ball, you set out your stalls.”

The Case Against Opening Rahul

While Rahul has been considered for the opening spot—potentially alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal—Hayden warned against it, citing Rahul’s vulnerability to early swing and edges:

“He gets out 57% of the time caught behind, nicked off… he looks amazing and then suddenly he’s out.”

His susceptibility to the new ball echoes concerns from Australia’s tours, underscoring the risk of placing him at the top.

Form and Recent Performances

Rahul’s recent Test record is mixed but promising:

Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024–25: 276 runs at 30.67 across 10 innings.
Scored two fifties early in the series, but only 41 runs in the final four innings—highlighting inconsistency.

In June 2025, he notched a composed 116 in a warm-up match for England Lions—a commanding signal of form and intent on English pitches.

Hayden’s Insights on Rahul’s Technique

Hayden, known for blunt evaluation, previously described Rahul as an elegant hitter who sometimes overflows into uncertainty: “Having so many options as a stroke player can sometimes work against him… He needs to bat time”.

That same assessment supports shifting him away from the unpredictability of the new ball and into a role better aligned with his strengths.

England Tour Tactics

India’s squad departs for five Tests in England (June 20–August 4), beginning with Leeds. The plan includes early arrival and acclimatization—a good sign for Rahul, who is preparing specifically for overseas conditions.

Opening duo will likely be Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rahul, but Hayden suggests a rethink—keep Rahul at No. 4 for consistency and protection.

Who Else is in the Running?

India possesses options at No. 4:

Shubman Gill: in-form opener but less proven in middle order.
Karun Nair: played six Tests until 2017; scored double hundred in warm-up; a wildcard.
Cheteshwar Pujara / Ajinkya Rahane: experienced, but form and longevity concerns linger.

The selection decision after England camp will flash critical judgment on where Rahul fits best.

England Condition Nuances

English pitches swing early, seam later, then flatten under sun. Hayden said it’s “hardest place to bat… then easiest when sun out” . Entering at No. 4 maximizes Rahul’s window to thrive in mixing conditions.

Mastery at No. 4 Could Shape Outcomes

If Rahul anchors middle overs following an early collapse, he could set up platform for others—like Gill, Nair, and lower-order hitters. A strong No. 4 holds strategic power, shaping Test matches.

The Bigger Picture: Post-Kohli Transition

Kohli’s exit leaves a vacuum: runs as well as on-field leadership. Rahul would not just fill a slot—he’d embody an evolving blueprint: technically gifted but sometimes fragile. His performance will reflect broader shifts in Indian Test cricket identity.

Rahul at No. 4—A Fine Move or Missed Opportunity?

Hayden’s pitch is clear: Rahul is India’s best bat and a serious contender for the critical No. 4 role. Statistical evidence, technique, and overseas conditions support this. But are selectors bold enough to adjust the opening combination?

Important factors:

Will Rahul rise to No. 4 consistently?
Is he more valuable at top against swing?
Can others (Gill, Nair) provide solidity elsewhere?
Will match conditions validate Hayden’s blueprint?

One thing’s certain: India’s campaign in England will be heavily shaped by how they fill the Kohli-shaped gap. KL Rahul has a chance not just to bat—but to anchor the middle order and lead India through this pivotal chapter.

Please check for information on the best betting sites in India – https://selectory.org/best-betting-sites/