Not Shubman Gill! Monty Panesar Names The Next Virat Kohli Of Indian Cricket

As India’s Test tour of England looms—set to commence on June 20 under the captaincy of Shubman Gill—it marks a watershed moment. The retirement of Virat Kohli, one of the finest batsmen and captains in modern cricket, alongside Rohit Sharma, opens a new chapter. With Kohli’s formidable 9,230 Test runs and aura now absent, a “leadership and performance vacuum” has emerged, prompting questions that will define Indian cricket’s future.

Now unofficially “India’s first Test tour without Kohli,” as noted by the Hindustan Times, only magnifies how starkly his presence will be missed—the fame, the gravitas, and the crowds he drew . Enter a young squad led by Gill (25), India’s 37th Test captain, entrusted to both preserve the legacy and pioneer a new era.

Yet beyond Gill’s captaincy lies an equally critical question: who will assume the No.4 mantle—anointed for years to Kohli—and inspire the same intensity and results? While many have tipped Gill, voices from abroad suggest looking elsewhere. Former England spinner Monty Panesar, in an InsideSport interview, championed a dark horse: the uncapped Sai Sudharsan.

Kohli’s Shadow: Legacy and Expectations

Kohli’s impact extended far beyond stat sheets. His fierce competitiveness, thriving overseas—including England, Australia, and South Africa—with six centuries, reshaped India’s away mindset. Moreover, his leadership and impeccable fitness set a new professional bar—homes were swept unbeaten, and height of success included WTC finals and retainment of the Ashes Urn.

His absence doesn’t just leave a batting slot—it signifies a departure of leadership by example, unfiltered passion, and a defining presence in Indian dressing rooms.

Gill Takes Charge: New Era Begins on English Soil

Appointed Test skipper in May, Shubman Gill embraced the challenge boldly:

“I was overwhelmed to learn… it is a big responsibility,” he admitted before departure.

Coach Gautam Gambhir and selectors backed his ascent, emphasizing leadership pedigree built in IPL with the Gujarat Titans, over seasoned campaigner Jasprit Bumrah—who needs carefully managed workload. Veteran Michael Vaughan lauded the bold decision:

“Gill has the temperament for big moments… It’s a bold move.”

England legend James Anderson echoed positivity, calling India’s new look “strong” and “exciting” despite losing its veterans.

That said, Gill now has two hats to wear—as a frontline run-scorer and a connector of a transitioning team, reinforcing unity and performance in Kohli’s void.

Who Fills No.4? The Batting Puzzle

India’s top six now reads something like:

Yashasvi Jaiswal
KL Rahul
Shubman Gill
Vacant
Rishabh Pant (wicketkeeper)
Others

KL Rahul, versatile and adaptable, showed promise with a well-paced century in the second unofficial Test, sparking momentum. Gill confirmed no final call had been made yet on the order, with an intra-squad game and London camp lined up .

Another contender, Karun Nair, impressed with a double century in last unofficial Test but remains unproven in English conditions. Meanwhile, criticism over selection has emerged, notably for Sarfaraz Khan and Shreyas Iyer being overlooked, spotlighting the selectors’ difficult balance.

Panesar’s Bold Call: Sai Sudharsan

With the stage open, Monty Panesar surprised many by pointing not to Gill, but to Sai Sudharsan, a 23-year‑old who hasn’t yet played a Test for India. He told InsideSport:

“I think he could be the next superstar of Indian cricket and take on that role of what Virat Kohli did at No.4”.

Panesar cited Sudharsan’s fearless approach, recent Orange Cap in IPL 2025 (759 runs, SR 156, avg 54), success in English conditions via Surrey, and aggressive mind-set as markers of Kohli-like temperament. The former spinner emphasized carrying forward Kohli’s legacy:

“I want this Indian team to… carry on the legacy of Virat Kohli.”

For many, Panesar’s statement shook up preconceptions. An uncapped young player pegged as “fearless” and fit for Kohli’s shoes? It shifted attention from immediate alternatives to a future with long-term potential.

Sudharsan’s Credentials: A Closer Look

Born: Oct 15, 2001, Chennai; debuted 2023 in ODIs
IPL 2025: 759 runs, Orange Cap, avg 54.21, strike-rate 156.17
Domestic record: 29 FC matches, 7 centuries, avg 39.9; double ton high
County stint: Surrey (2023‑24) with success in English conditions

Technically sound, left-handed, fearless—perfect ingredients for bridging Indian red-ball aspirations with English challenges. He’s fast-tracked into the Test squad and arrived early to acclimatize before England camp .

England Tour: Litmus Test for Team India

India’s schedule features five Test matches:

Opener: Leeds, June 20
Five Tests across gap till Aug 4

Jasprit Bumrah’s workload will be closely monitored; Times of India underlined India’s priority to manage his usage carefully . Meanwhile, the top order awaits final molding.

For Sudharsan, no Test debut is guaranteed but given Gill and Gambhir’s progressive stance, opportunity is likely. If he thrives, Panesar’s prediction may be prescient.

India-A matches in early June also offer him a platform to impress selectors under English conditions.

Expert Voices & External Perspective

Michael Clarke: “Sai Sudharsan should bat at No.3”—that’s high praise from another Australian legend, signaling backup to Panesar’s view.
James Anderson: “Strong squad… exciting players”—despite absence of Kohli and Rohit, India’s depth stands out.
Sanjay Manjrekar: Criticized selection decisions, advising transparent, merit-based inclusion over legacy picks.
Monty Panesar (again): Voiced desire to see India play with Kohli’s signature intensity.

What Lies Ahead: Outcomes to Watch

Who claims No.4? A plausible shortlist: Gill, Rahul, Nair, or Sudharsan. Each has strengths, but only Silver victories will define them.
Will Sudharsan debut? If he bats in India-A games and is chosen early on, it validates Panesar’s backing.
Top-order stability: KL Rahul’s form, Jaiswal’s consistency, and Gill’s run-scoring will anchor India.
Leadership under Gill: His captaincy, field placements, communication with bowlers like Bumrah, and handling high stakes will face judgment.
Load management: Balance for seamers and spinner usage to maximize effectiveness across the five Tests.

A Defining Tour

India’s 2025 India-England Test tour is less about wins or losses on the pitch—it’s the manifesto of a generation transitioning. Kohli’s exit is both a loss and an opportunity: an opportunity for fresh leadership, fresh talent, and perhaps a reinvention of India’s red-ball identity.

Monty Panesar’s call isn’t just a feather in Sudharsan’s cap—it’s a signal to embrace the unexpected, reward form, and courage under fire. If India walks into Headingley with a newcomer at No.4 and a rookie skipper, it speaks volumes about boldness and confidence.

While questions remain—Will Gill deliver with the bat and captivate the team? Will Sudharsan make his mark? Can India balance experience and youth in an unfamiliar terrain?—the answers will emerge in the days ahead at Leeds, Lord’s, Old Trafford, and beyond.

In that looming narrative of legacy and renewal, India isn’t just touring England—they’re defining their future at number four, at the crease and beyond.

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