Contenders for Sachin Tendulkar's number four spot in Tests

Tributes and accolades have started to come in, celebrating and wishing Sachin Tendulkar for his final Test series. 18th November 2013 would be the last day of Test cricket for the great man and that too at his home ground Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, after he announced his retirement from Test cricket.

As everyone is sharing his/hers favourite Sachin memory and other tributes on various sharing mediums, I thought to present a article that delves and looks into the future of the Indian cricket team without Sachin Tendulkar.

A look at some worthy candidates for the coveted no. 4 spot that Sachin made his own.

1. VIRAT KOHLI

Kohli is currently the hottest in-form player in the Indian team and is also considered to be the player that can emulate the records held by Sachin Tendulkar.

Currently he bats at number 6 in the team line up, but has shown he can flourish in the top order in limited overs format. The number 4 position is important in giving more stability to the innings, especially during the spinners in the attack.

He has superb temperament while playing spinners and quickies alike. He will do well in the top 4 and can become the mainstay that Tendulkar was in the team line up.

2. ROHIT SHARMA

The man touted with the silken touch and loads of talent, Rohit sharma has so far not done justice to that God-given talent.

He debuted for India in 2006 on a tour to The Netherlands and since then, has been in and out of the team due to inconsistent form and injury.

He currently holds the Indian record for playing the most number of ODIs without playing a Test match. He was supposed to debut against South Africa in 2009, but he injured himself on the morning of the Test and since then, has been waiting for his debut in the Test arena.

If the team management still sees Kohli as a number 6 batsman, then Rohit can be drafted in as the new number 4, a position he plays at for his Ranji team, Mumbai.

3. AJINKYA RAHANE

The quintessential man lying in wait for his chance, Rahane made his long awaited debut against Australia this year, but his best chance to cement his spot would be at number 4.

Despite the fact that he is seen as an opening batsman by almost everyone, he actually does not open for his Ranji team, Mumbai. He comes in at no. 3 or 4 depending on the situation.

Considering his technical ability against both spinners and fast bowlers, he is a perfect candidate to play at no. 4, whether to stabilize the innings or counter attack.

4. YUVRAJ SINGH

Perhaps the most deserving candidate to make a return to the Test fold, he provides great strength to the team with his attacking style of play and his left arm spin.

Touted as the replacement for the no. 6 position after Ganguly’s retirement, he tried with relative success to cement his place in the side. But with a visible discomfort against quality spin and seam bowling, he failed to hold onto that spot.

But now, since his World Cup triumph and his victory over cancer, this southpaw is really looking back to regain his place in the side. Also, with him being a more senior player now in the team, he will cherish the challenge and the responsibility of batting at no. 4.

These are my top 4 choices for Sachin’s replacement at no. 4. I would also give an outside chance to Gautam Gambhir, since he has seemed to regain his form back.

Please do leave your views and opinions in the comments section.