Who will be the next number 4 in Tests for India after Sachin Tendulkar?

Sachin Tendulkar

Come November and cricket fans across the globe will watch with their hearts in the mouth, as the Master Blaster or Little Master or whatever we may call him, takes the field for one last time. A series against the Caribbean side later, it will be all over for the most popular cricketer on the earth – Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar, and the occasion will also mark his historic 200th Test match.

And with his retirement will come a void in the Test line-up. A question that has already been doing the rounds among fans is – who will replace the master? Virat Kohli, Indian cricket’s heartbeat at the moment, has easily cemented the number 5 position for himself and with the Dravid-like Pujara at No. 3, India will need a highly consistent player with the temperament of a snake and the agility of a tiger to hold the middle-order together and even unsettle the opposition with his stroke-play.Here’s a look at the top 5 contenders for the coveted position:

1. Rohit Sharma

Rohit Sharma

The very first name that comes to the mind is that of the newly invented ODI opener, Rohit Sharma. A player with huge potential and a newfound hunger for runs, he fits the ball almost perfectly. His temperament was greatly tested as the skipper of IPL side Mumbai Indians and he surprisingly led his team through to beat Dhoni’s CSK twice! With 6 years of international experience and sudden maturity, he is worth a try in the longer version.2. Yuvraj Singh

The next contender for this position is the Punjab southpaw Yuvraj Singh. A much fitter Yuvi hit the headlines straightaway with a ferocious comeback to the limited-overs side after a private fitness stint in Paris. Given the chances he has got before, it would be difficult for him to get another look-in, but the selectors will surely consider having some experience in a very young team otherwise. His temperament for big innings is a doubt but who knows, a sense of responsibility among the youngsters might bring out the best in him!3. Ajinkya Rahane

Once considered the next big thing in international cricket, Ajinkya Rahane hasn’t quite been destiny’s child yet. Waiting for a well-deserved Test call-up after four mind-boggling Ranji seasons, he was finally brought in on a pitch where almost everyone failed and he was made the lone scapegoat. Now back after a silent season break and scintillating performances for Rajasthan Royals in the CLT20, he is looking fresh and determined since the start of this Ranji trophy. His technique and temperament make him a perfect Test player. It’s now just a matter of chances and a little bit of luck to push his case harder for the spot.4. Subramaniam Badrinath

The fourth one on this list is a forgotten star from Tamil Nadu, Subramaniam Badrinath. A prolific run-getter in the domestic circuit, he doesn’t really have the age on his side at 32 but his ability to play as per the match situation make him a great number 4. If fitness and consistency are worked upon, his return to the fold won’t be in doubt.5. Suresh Raina

The last and the final one on this list is the UP left-handed aggressor Suresh Raina. His attacking instinct and stroke-play may have made him a Dhoni favourite in limited overs but lack of technique against faster bowlers, especially against balls pitched on a short length has deprived him of a spot in the Test team. A little break from international cricket and a private batting stint with a coach to make necessary changes to his technique might just do the trick for him.

Apart from these 5, a lot of others like Baba Aparajith and Ambati Rayudu are also waiting in the wings to prove their mettle. Such a healthy competitive environment definitely augurs well for the future of Indian cricket. It’s now just a matter of days before the coveted number 4 position gets vacant and the selectors sit down to select the special one from this talented pool.