Who will be India's next Virat Kohli? Listing 3 batsmen who could be the next 'King'
Context:
Virat Kohli's retirement from Test cricket marks the conclusion of an illustrious era in Indian cricket, leaving a significant void in terms of leadership and batting prowess. As India prepares for the upcoming tour of England, the focus shifts to potential successors who can fill Kohli's shoes both as a batsman and a leader. Among the standout contenders are Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant, and Shubman Gill, each having shown remarkable promise in their burgeoning careers. Jaiswal has made a strong impression with his performances, including a debut century in Australia and notable achievements in T20 and IPL formats. Meanwhile, Pant has evolved into a dependable match-winner with significant contributions in crucial tournaments, and Gill, with his consistent performances and leadership potential, is seen as a frontrunner to assume a pivotal role in the team’s future trajectory.
Dive Deeper:
Virat Kohli's departure from Test cricket ends a 14-year career where he became India's most successful Test captain and a prolific run-scorer, creating a significant gap in the team's batting lineup and leadership. His decision was announced on Instagram, citing the right time to step away after giving his all to the game.
Yashasvi Jaiswal, at 23, has already made a name for himself with 1798 runs in 19 Tests at an average of 52.88, including four hundreds and two double centuries. His performances in the 2024 England series and a debut century in Australia, along with his achievements in T20 and IPL, make him a potential cornerstone for India's future.
Rishabh Pant has transitioned from an unpredictable youngster to a reliable match-winner, highlighted by his 89* at the Gabba in 2021, which secured a historic series win. With nearly 3,000 Test runs and key innings in the 2024 T20 World Cup and 2025 Champions Trophy, Pant is emerging as a leader, reflected in his high IPL auction price.
Shubman Gill, often considered the future of Indian cricket, is poised to take on a leadership role as the BCCI seeks a new red-ball captain with Rohit Sharma stepping aside. Gill's over 1800 Test runs and his status as the top international scorer in 2023, combined with his leadership experience, bolster his candidacy.
The departure of Kohli has turned the spotlight on the next generation of players who can carry forward his legacy of excellence and leadership. The need for a new 'King' to emerge is pressing as India looks to maintain its competitive edge on the international stage.
Jaiswal, Pant, and Gill all exhibit a blend of talent, consistency, and potential, making them prominent contenders to step into the void left by Kohli and lead Indian cricket into a new era.
Virat Kohli’s retirement from Test cricket marks the end of a glorious chapter for Indian cricket.
In a career spanning 14 years, he not only became India's most successful Test captain but also one of the most consistent run-scorers of the modern era.
Check: Virat Kohli Test retirement: How cricket legends and India teammates reacted
On Monday, Kohli announced his decision via Instagram. He said that the time felt right to walk away after giving everything to the game.
His exit leaves a significant void -- not just at number four in the batting order, but in leadership and aura. As India prepare for the upcoming tour of England, attention has turned to the next generation.
Who steps up now? Who carries the responsibility? Who has the game, the attitude and the ambition to be India’s next “King”?
Let’s take a look at three contenders who could follow in Kohli’s footsteps.
Who will be India's next 'King' after Virat Kohli?
Three names currently stand out, having already made an impressive start to their Test career.Yashasvi Jaiswal
At just 23, Jaiswal has already made headlines across formats. With 1798 runs in 19 Tests at an average of 52.88 -- including four hundreds and two double centuries -- he has established himself as a cornerstone of India’s future.His performances in the 2024 England series were exceptional and he hit a debut century in Australia. A T20 World Cup title and IPL records like the fastest fifty (13 balls) add to his case.
Rishabh Pant
Pant has transformed from a maverick youngster to one of India’s most reliable match-winners. His 89* at the Gabba in 2021 sealed a series win for the ages and remains a defining moment of his career.With nearly 3,000 Test runs and impressive knocks in India’s 2024 T20 World Cup and 2025 Champions Trophy wins, Pant is no longer just a keeper-batter. He is a leader in the making. His INR 27 crore IPL price tag reflects the same.
Shubman Gill
Shubman Gill has long been touted as the future, and now the time for the 'Prince' to take over the throne has arrived. With Rohit Sharma stepping aside and the BCCI seeking a red-ball captain, Gill is the frontrunner.He has over 1800 Test runs and was the top international scorer in 2023. Leadership experience in the IPL and with India A puts him in strong contention to lead the team through the next era.