Who after Sachin Tendulkar? The search for the next number four

Virat Kohli: Unlike the above two, for Kohli it is not about coming back to the Indian side. It is, both literally and figuratively, about taking a step up. Ever since Sehwag’s star has faded, Virat Kohli has become the new poster boy of the Indian top order. He has the strokes, the flourish and the temperament – 16 centuries, most of them match-winning, in his relatively short ODI career tells the story. After a rough initiation, Kohli has started to show his potential in Test matches too. In an ideal world, he would slot in right into Tendulkar’s boots. The problems though lie somewhere else.

Moving Kohli up the order does not solve the selector’s problem for India; they would still have to find a new Number Five. Moreover, unlike in ODIs, Kohli has taken his time to find his groove in Test cricket. Unsettling him from his current position and that too against the world’s best bowling attack might not be the best idea. Nevertheless, Kohli’s potential and promise will continue to tantalise the selectors till they come to a final decision.