3 Indian players who can replace Virat Kohli in Test cricket

Indian cricketer Virat Kohli, as per reports, has decided to call time on his Test career. The move comes just days after Rohit Sharma had decided to draw curtains on his Test career. According to reports, Kohli’s decision was relayed to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). This is a huge news considering that the Indian cricket team is just a month away from their tour of England. 

The BCCI, for its part, has asked Kohli to reconsider his decision to retire as they will lack experience in the middle-order. The 36-year-old is currently with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and has scored over 500 runs in the IPL 2025 season. Virat Kohli, who took over the number four spot in the Test format from Sachin Tendulkar, has scored 9000 runs with 31 fifties and 30 centuries in his 14-year Test career. 

Also Read: Virat Kohli informs BCCI of decision to hang up his boots from Test cricket: Reports

Here are the top 3 players who can replace Virat Kohli in Test cricket 

3. Devdutt Padikkal 

Left-handed batter Devdutt Padikkal has always been earmarked as one of the talents to watch out for in the Test format. Padikkal has already played two Test matches for India and given a decent account for himself. Considering his talent in the longest format of the game, Padikkal can be the ideal replacement for Virat Kohli in Test cricket. Padikkal is a very compact batter in the red-ball format with close to 3000 runs with an average of 41. Padikkal has also played two Test matches, scoring 90 runs and made his debut against England in early 2024, where he scored 65 in his maiden innings. 

2. Cheteshwar Pujara 

Veteran batter Cheteshwar Pujara could be the ideal replacement for Kohli in the middle-order at least on a short-term basis. Pujara has played 103 Tests for India and scored 7185 runs with an average of 43, with 19 centuries and 35 fifties. The veteran batter also has the experience of playing in England thanks to his stint with Sussex in the county circuit. Pujara can bat at number three, and someone like KL Rahul could be slotted in at four, while Gill can reclaim his spot as a Test opener. 

1. Ajinkya Rahane 

One of the best bets to replace Kohli in the Indian middle-order is none other than Mumbai skipper Ajinkya Rahane. The 36-year-old has been in fine form with the bat in recent times, both for Mumbai and Kolkata Knight Riders. Rahane scored 467 runs in the Ranji Trophy this season with an average of 35. The right-handed batter has also scored over 5000 runs in his 85 Test matches for the national side and can also be a valuable asset to the side in terms of leadership. 

Also Check: Top 5 Rohit Sharma replacements for Team India Test opening slot