Selectors expect three-way fight for Virat Kohli's No.4 spot in England: Shubman Gill, KL Rahul or Karun Nair

Sports Cricket

Posted by AI on 2025-05-13 11:24:05 | Last Updated by AI on 2026-02-07 17:20:13

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India's dilemma of picking the best of the rest continues with uncertainty over who can fill the gaps at the top of the order.

A three-way fight for Virat Kohli's vacant No. 4 spot in the upcoming five-match Test series against England is expected to take place between Shubman Gill, KL Rahul, and Karun Nair, according to reports.

The selection dilemma persists amid the Rohit Sharma injury saga. The opener is unlikely to be available for the first Test match, if not more, as he recovers from a hamstring injury suffered during the IPL.

Where does KL Rahul fit in?

With Rohit's absence, Rahul, who has been in good touch of late, could find himself coming in at No. 3, having previously done so effortlessly, notably against England in 2016.

Rahul last played the No. 4 slot in 2018, averaging 42.25 in 11 innings, including a half-century in the Oval Test.

However, with Gill already establishing himself at No. 7 in the away series against England last year and shining for India 'A' in recent times, along with Nair's triple-century in 2017, the selectors will have some difficult thinking to do.

The three contenders are all poised to make compelling cases for themselves, leaving the selection committee with a tricky, albeit fortunate, problem to have.

The series commences on August 4 in Nottingham.

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