With Shubman Gill emerging as the frontrunner to succeed Rohit Sharma as India’s next Test captain, the team management now faces a bigger question—who will replace Virat Kohli at the crucial No. 4 position in the batting order?

A number of candidates have been discussed in recent weeks. Some experts have supported KL Rahul for the role, while others believe Karun Nair—who had an outstanding Ranji Trophy season—deserves a recall. But former India cricketer Wasim Jaffer has weighed in with a different idea.

Speaking to The Times of India, Jaffer said, “I guess Shubman could be the guy. He opens in white-ball cricket, but in Test cricket, he needs to move down to 4.” He added that Rahul should not be shifted from his current role. “KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal have done well as openers in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. I feel KL should continue to open. Why change something that is not broken?”

Instead, Jaffer suggested that promising young left-hander Sai Sudharsan should be groomed for the No. 3 spot. “Sudharsan looks assured and should be given a longer rope at No. 3,” he said.

Gill has recently started to settle at No. 3, scoring three centuries in the last 15 months, though all came on home soil. His performances overseas have raised concerns. In 12 innings abroad, he averages just 19 and is yet to register a fifty. During the tour of England, he struggled against the new ball and managed just 88 runs in three matches, albeit as an opener.

Whether the selectors will shift Gill to No. 4 remains to be seen. However, Sudharsan appears to be a serious contender for a top-order role. He has already experienced English conditions, playing for Surrey in the County Championship last season where he scored a century at No. 6. Back home, he was in sublime form for Tamil Nadu in the Ranji Trophy, including a double century.

With a transition looming in India’s Test team, especially after Kohli and Rohit’s eventual exits, the management will need to strike the right balance between continuity and change. While Gill’s leadership potential is being recognised, his exact place in the batting order—and Sudharsan’s potential promotion—could play a key role in shaping India’s Test future.