Virat Kohli’s retirement from Test cricket, only five days after Rohit Sharma announced his, has left a huge void in the Indian Test team, especially with an all-important England tour right around the corner. In an exclusive conversation with RevSportz, MSK Prasad got candid about what lies ahead for Indian Test Cricket, who should take over the reins after Rohit and how picking the right batter for the No.4 slot will be a challenge for the selectors.
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India suddenly has a gap at No. 4 in the batting lineup. Who do you think are the realistic contenders to step into that role?
“It’s very tough. Because it’s a big shoe to fill. Big task. I don’t think mentally the selectors or the team management were prepared for this No. 4 slot. You have tried Rajat Patidar, you have tried Sarfaraz Khan
From among the available resources, if we can bring in Sai Sudarshan, play him along with Yashaswi Jaiswal and play KL Rahul at No. 4. I don’t know whether that is possible. But the only person who can fill in the shoes of Virat Kohli right now is KL Rahul. He is a successful cricketer in SENA countries and he can bat at any position, which he has proved.
When a Virat Kohli-like player exits a format, there is obviously a void in the leadership arena. How do selectors adapt and recalibrate plans after an announcement like this?
Absolutely. How can you? 9,000 plus runs and close to 15 years of cricket, the void that will be left will be very difficult to fill for quite some time. But that’s the nature of the game. That’s the nature of life. The only constant is change. So, it is very difficult to accept this. But we need to move on.”
The next Test captain—what quality should selectors prioritise?
“I feel that the captain has the command in the dressing room. First of all, you should have respect. And you should have the experience of performing under different conditions. Not just home, even away. I would prefer such people as the Test captain.
Any names that pop up in your head?
“People are pitching in for Shubman Gill. It’s wonderful. We know that he is a leader. He is the one who will play all three formats. But right now, I personally feel that someone like Jasprit Bumrah or KL Rahul would be a better choice as a captain. Because they are little matured heads.
And we are going through a little transition period. To see this transition period through successfully, you need some matured heads like both of them. And you can always have Shubman Gill as their deputy. And as and when, if someone like Bumrah is given the mantle, if he is not playing a match here or there, then Shubman will definitely step in and he will replace him for that particular match. So, slowly, he will be groomed. And then, maybe by the end of this cycle, he will be absolutely ready to take on the mantle.
There are no words to talk about Virat Kohli. Even though I was a selector, I am also a big admirer of Virat Kohli. Because of his sheer commitment and dedication. And more importantly, among the three formats, he loved Test cricket so much. And Virat quitting Test cricket is very difficult to digest and accept.”
Watch the full video here
Exclusive:
MSK Prasad opens up on Virat Kohli’s retirement and what lies ahead of Indian Test Cricket.
“Kohli took Indian Test Cricket to the greatest heights”
“A person who gave his everything to Test Cricket has retired, it is a sad day for me”.@gargiraut15… pic.twitter.com/AFD0zlbVtL
— RevSportz Global (@RevSportzGlobal) May 13, 2025