Virat Kohli has been one of the most reliable batsmen of the Indian top-order batting across formats. For more than seventeen years, Kohli has served the nation and cricket with utmost finesse. But after his retirement from test and T20, the young talents have got a huge responsibility to fulfill. In the ongoing England Vs. India series, English men are leading the series by 2-1 despite India showing appreciable performances. Although there are several factors for the team being short, lack of reliability in the middle order seems to be the key.
Shubhman Gill has shown some good batting performances in the series, but his failure in seaming conditions has continued. In such a scenario, India is still in search of a batsman that can take the load at the number four position. One name that has been popping around the Indian cricket gallery is Shreyas Iyer. His exceptional contributions to the team in recent years show how improved a batter he is. Additionally, his temperament, talent, and ability to soak pressure make him a perfect number four batsman.
Let us find out what are the qualities Shreyas Iyer possesses that make him the right replacement for Virat Kohli in test cricket and Virat kohli is on of the greatest test player in test cricket.
Comparing Shreyas Iyer and Virat Kohli: Strengths and Gaps
One thing is common between the legend Virat and the talented Shreyas, which is technical supremacy. Virat came to the Indian team as a young talent and successfully filled the giant boots of the Master Sachin Tendulkar. Likewise, Shreyas has all the potential to repeat the magic once again.
Both Virat and Shreyas struggled on short balls in their initial phases, but they surpassed this hurdle to dominate world class bowlers. Iyer is a calm and composed yet stylish batsman who can soak pressure as well as neutralise lethal pace attacks.
After Tendulkar, it was Virat who took charge of taking India forward on foreign pitches. Iyer, with his technique and temperament, looks very much similar to Virat. However, his ability to score daddy hundreds is yet to be tested in test cricket.
Shreyas Iyer’s Test Career Stats vs. Kohli’s at No. 4
Virat Kohli has one of the finest records in Indian cricket playing at number four in the longest format. Numbers often tell stories that words can only hint at. While Virat Kohli’s legacy at No. 4 is firmly etched in cricketing history, Shreyas Iyer’s journey is still unfolding. However, comparing their early career stats offers a glimpse into what Iyer could eventually become, if nurtured and backed consistently.
The right handed batter from Mumbai has shown ability to be a great performer across formats, but his test career is seeking a way for exploration. If we discuss his performance at number 4, Iyer scored 56 in his only match that he played at this position. However, these stats don’t justice his talent.
He is a fantastic batsman of spin. If you compare him here with Virat, Shreyas has a few more shots than the legend. Along with solid defence and smooth running between the wickets, sweep shot and ability to hit long sixes are add ons in Iyer’s batting.
Related Read: Virat Kohli’s Daily Workout Routine: An Overview
Iyer’s Domestic and IPL Success: A Case for Inclusion
Before making a mark on the international stage, Shreyas Iyer carved his name in domestic cricket and the IPL with consistency and flair. His journey has been built on performances, not just potential, making a strong case for his long-term inclusion in the Test setup.
Here’s why his domestic and IPL track record cannot be ignored:
- Ranji Trophy Star: Year 2025 brought one of the most successful domestic seasons for Iyer. While playing against Odisha, he scored a smashing double hundred for Mumbai and took the team forward. In the same game, he made a partnership of 300 runs with young Ayush Mhatre.
- List A Consistency: Averages close to 45 in domestic one-dayers, showing an all-format adaptability.
- IPL Captaincy Maturity: Led Delhi Capitals to their first final in 2020, handling pressure with calm decision-making.
- Game Awareness: Reads situations well, rotates strike efficiently, and accelerates without recklessness.
- Handling Spin & Pace: Proven ability to dominate spin-heavy conditions while also standing tall against pace.
Iyer has shown equal stability against pace and spin. These abilities make him a perfect contender for number 4 position in test cricket.
IPL & White-ball Form
Shreyas Iyer’s white-ball journey has been a showcase of composure, timing, and game awareness—traits that naturally translate into the Test format. Whether it’s the brisk tempo of T20s or the calculated pacing of ODIs, Iyer has stood out not just as a stroke-maker, but as a stabilizer in the middle order.
He has often walked in when wickets have fallen in clusters, yet seldom lets panic seep in. His calm presence at the crease brings balance to the batting unit. What separates Iyer from many of his contemporaries is the way he switches gears, knowing when to anchor and when to shift the momentum. He doesn’t chase the game; he shapes it.
His leadership credentials add another layer to his readiness. Under his captaincy, Punjab Kings reached the IPL finals—a journey marked by tactical clarity and player trust. That ability to lead with poise under pressure mirrors the temperament expected at the Test level.
Also Visit: How Virat Kohli Handles Criticism: Lessons in Mental Strength
Technical Analysis: Iyer’s Ability to Handle Swing and Short Balls
Shreyas Iyer’s white-ball journey has been a showcase of composure, timing, and game awareness. These are the traits that naturally translate into the Test format. Whether it’s the brisk tempo of T20s or the calculated pacing of ODIs, Iyer has stood out not just as a stroke-maker, but as a stabiliser in the middle order.
He has often walked in when wickets have fallen in clusters, yet seldom lets panic seep in. His calm presence at the crease brings balance to the batting unit. What separates Iyer from many of his contemporaries is the way he switches gears—knowing when to anchor and when to shift the momentum. He doesn’t chase the game; he shapes it.
His leadership credentials add another layer to his readiness. Under his captaincy, Punjab Kings reached the IPL finals, a journey marked by tactical clarity and player trust. That ability to lead with poise under pressure mirrors the temperament expected at the Test level.
Expert & Player Quotes on Iyer’s Potential
Many veterans and current players have seen glimpses of something special in Shreyas Iyer. His presence at the crease, tactical intelligence, and mental calmness have drawn admiration from all corners of the cricketing world.
- Sunil Gavaskar praised Iyer’s composure, saying:
“His shot selection in pressure situations shows he’s got a mind trained for red-ball cricket.” - VVS Laxman highlighted his ability to shift momentum without losing control:
“Iyer knows when to absorb pressure and when to counterattack—and he does it with elegance.” - Rohit Sharma, after a gritty Iyer knock, remarked:
“He plays with a calm head. That’s gold in the middle order.” - Wasim Jaffer, known for his domestic cricket insights, once tweeted:
“If given a long rope at No. 4 in Tests, Iyer will be a long-term asset.” - Even Michael Vaughan observed:
“India has a gem in Shreyas Iyer. He’s got real class and balance.”
Such remarks aren’t just endorsements—they reflect the cricketing world’s growing trust in Iyer’s long-format potential.
Also Visit: Virat Kohli Net Worth 2025: Earnings, Assets & Investments
Selectors’ Perspective: BCCI & Test Team Transition
As Indian cricket gradually moves into its next era, the BCCI and team selectors find themselves at a crucial crossroads. With senior players like Virat Kohli stepping away from the red-ball format, the spotlight has shifted to identifying long-term replacements who bring both class and clarity under pressure. In that mix, Shreyas Iyer’s name has been consistently discussed—not just as a stopgap, but as a serious middle-order mainstay.
What works in Iyer’s favour is his age, experience across formats, and proven ability to play under high-stakes conditions. Selectors have often emphasised the need for technically sound, temperamentally solid players at No. 4, qualities Iyer already exhibits. While his Test stint has seen interruptions due to injuries, the intent to back him remains visible.
The transition phase demands patience from selectors and bold decisions backed by long-term vision. In Iyer, the BCCI may already have the right piece, they just need to let it settle into place.
Leadership & Mental Attributes
- Calm Under Pressure: Iyer rarely lets the moment overpower him—he absorbs pressure and responds with clarity.
- Tactical Awareness: As an IPL captain, he’s shown sharp game reading and smart bowling changes.
- Confidence Without Arrogance: His body language is assertive, not flashy—he commands respect quietly.
- Team-First Mentality: Willing to anchor, rotate, or accelerate—whatever the team needs.
- Resilience After Injury: His comeback reflects grit, discipline, and mental strength.
- Composed Communicator: Speaks with maturity in post-match interviews—calm, thoughtful, and grounded.
These traits reflect a player built not just for runs, but for responsibility.
Strengths & Weaknesses Compared to Kohli
| Aspect | Virat Kohli | Shreyas Iyer |
| Temperament | Aggressive, expressive, thrives on confrontation | Calm, composed, handles pressure silently |
| Shot Selection | Sharp judgment, rarely reckless | Generally measured, but occasional loose shots |
| Playing Spin | Masterful, dominates with control and intent | Confident, uses feet well, excellent against spin |
| Short Ball Handling | Improved with experience, solid in recent years | Still a vulnerability under sharp pace |
| Big Match Temperament | Proven match-winner across formats | Shown glimpses, yet to prove in Test knockouts |
| Conversion Rate | Converts fifties into centuries consistently | Needs to improve on turning starts into tons |
| Leadership Presence | Charismatic leader, led India across formats | Tactical thinker, calm IPL leader |
| Test Experience | 100+ Tests, battle-hardened | Early stages, potential clearly visible |
Strengths & Weaknesses Compared to Kohli
While Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer are very different personalities, they share one key trait—an appetite for responsibility. Kohli’s game has always thrived on intensity, while Iyer brings calm to the same pressure situations. Iyer plays spin fluently and shows maturity in anchoring innings, much like Kohli in his early years. However, unlike Kohli, who mastered the short ball over time, Iyer still shows signs of discomfort against quality pace and bounce. However, his recent performances in IPL and T20 World Cup show that he has improved his game a lot. Kohli’s strength lies in converting fifties into centuries, a skill Iyer is still developing. But when it comes to temperament, adaptability, and leadership qualities, Iyer is showing all the signs of someone who could eventually mirror Kohli’s influence in the longest format.
1. Leadership Potential: Iyer as a Future Captain
Shreyas Iyer has already shown glimpses of strong leadership in the IPL, where he led two different franchises with poise and strategic maturity. His calm demeanor, clear communication, and ability to stay composed during pressure moments are rare traits for someone still early in their international career. He reads the game well, trusts his instincts, and backs his players. These are the qualities that often define great captains. What sets Iyer apart is his silent authority; he doesn’t chase the spotlight, yet commands respect. As India looks to build a new leadership core post the Kohli-Rohit era, Iyer’s name deserves to be in the conversation, not just as a player, but as a potential captain in red-ball cricket.
2. Why Iyer Was Snubbed for the England Test Tour
Despite a stellar domestic season (averaging nearly 69 in Ranji Trophy with two centuries), and leading Punjab Kings to the IPL final, Shreyas Iyer didn’t make the cut for the 18‑member India Test squad in England. Chief selector Ajit Agarkar made it clear: “He did well, but at the moment, there’s no room in Test cricket.” Iyer’s red-ball numbers, 811 Test runs at an average in the mid‑30s—were deemed insufficient for the high‑stakes, seaming conditions in England. Head coach Gautam Gambhir distanced himself from the decision, stating, “I am not a selector” Critics like Sehwag questioned the logic—arguing that Iyer’s form made him a likely performer, and noting that players in similar form were included nonetheless.
3. Opportunities for Iyer in Upcoming Test Series
Shreyas Iyer may have missed the England tour, but the Test calendar ahead presents fresh opportunities. With India set to face Bangladesh, New Zealand, and Australia in the next WTC cycle, there’s a strong chance Iyer will be back in contention, especially for home Tests, where his strengths against spin and ability to control the middle order come into play.
In subcontinent conditions, his natural game flourishes, he plays late, rotates strike, and builds momentum without taking risks. More importantly, as senior players phase out and the batting order reshapes, selectors might lean towards a stabilising presence at No. 4.
Also Visit: Virat Kohli Family – Father, Mother, Siblings, Wife & Kids
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Analysts often praise Iyer’s calmness under pressure and his ability to read match situations. His steady temperament, especially in tense chases or collapsing innings, reflects a mental discipline that makes him a strong contender for key batting roles in the Test setup.
Kohli’s Test numbers, especially at No. 4, are elite—averaging above 50 with multiple double centuries. Iyer, though promising, averages in the mid-30s in Tests and is still searching for consistency. The gap is wide for now, but Iyer’s early signs are encouraging.
Iyer has already played at No. 4 in Tests but hasn’t been given a long rope there. With upcoming home series and possible reshuffles in the batting order, a full-time role at No. 4 could realistically begin in the next WTC cycle.
Matching Kohli’s consistency is a tall order for any player. However, Iyer has the technique, mindset, and temperament to evolve into a reliable Test batsman. With time, experience, and backing, he can become a long-term solution at the heart of India’s lineup.
Concerns over Iyer’s struggle against short-pitched bowling and pace in seaming conditions have made selectors cautious. While he’s shown promise in subcontinent pitches, the BCCI seems to prefer more proven options for overseas tours until Iyer adapts fully to testing conditions.
