Ranking 5 best Virat Kohli replacements for India's T20I side ft. Sanju Samson
Virat Kohli recently brought the curtains down a glorious T20 International career that lasted for over a decade. After guiding India to their second T20 World Cup win with a brilliant 76-run knock in the recently concluded final against South Africa, the Indian superstar announced his retirement from the format.
As Virat Kohli will no longer be a part of the T20I side, a major conundrum for the Indian team will be to find a suitable replacement. Having played 125 games and scoring 4,188 runs at an average of 48.69, he has put up some incredible performances on the biggest of stages when it mattered the most.
Leaving behind a rich legacy and large shoes to fill, Kohli's exit now means that India will have to find new players to take his place. Indian cricket, however, is filled with immense talent and several names can replace Virat Kohli in T20Is.
We look at the five best replacements for Kohli in the format among the many potential players.
#5 Shreyas Iyer
Shreyas Iyer has made his name in the International circuit with some fine performances. Having played 51 T20Is for India, he has scored 1,104 runs at an average of 30.67 and a strike rate of 136.13.
Moreover, he also has 3,127 runs from 115 Indian Premier League (IPL) matches with 21 half-centuries to his name. His ability to take on fast bowlers and also play spinners with ease makes him an ideal candidate to replace Virat Kohli in the top order.
Shreyas can bring stability in the middle order. Having led the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to their third IPL title in 2024, his captaincy skills also add to his overall skill set.
#4 Sanju Samson
Sanju Samson has been a consistent performer in the IPL over the past few years. In 167 games, he has amassed 4,419 runs at a decent strike rate of 138.96. Samson put up some key performances this season as well.
He has been in and out of the national team, having played just 25 T20Is, scoring 374 runs. While his displays on the international stage have been average, he also possesses a strong ability to play pace and spin, along with the flexibility to bat up and down the order.
Samson was also a part of India's 2024 T20 World Cup squad but did not get a single game during the tournament.
Samson has been successful in leading the Rajasthan Royals in the IPL as well. As another player who brings captaincy experience and an ability to carry the batting in the middle order, he could very well replace Virat Kohli if he lives up to his potential.
#3 Ruturaj Gaikwad
Ruturaj Gaikwad is among the contenders to replace Virat Kohli in the T20I side. As someone who can open the innings or bat at number three as well, he is among the batters who have been impressive in the recent past.
Gaikwad has a similar batting style as that of Virat, who could be watchful at the start but can accelerate once he sets himself in. Having played 19 T20Is, Gaikwad has scored 500 runs at a strike rate of 140.06.
The right-hander has also been impressive in the IPL, consistently being among the runs. As part of the upcoming Zimbabwe tour, Gaikwad will have a golden opportunity to present a strong case for himself.
#2 KL Rahul
Being a senior member of the Indian team, KL Rahul has been around for a long time now. While the stylish opener has been out of action of late, his experience makes him a potential replacement for Virat Kohli in the T20I side.
Rahul is someone who can open the innings, and bat at number three or lower as well, bringing flexibility and stability. He can be attacking as well as play the anchor and up the anti later on.
The flamboyant batter has played 72 T20Is, scored 2,265 runs and has been a top performer in the IPL as well. As a senior batter who carries experience, he is someone who can hold the fort at one end with others playing around him.
#1 Shubman Gill
Considered the next big thing in Indian cricket, Shubman Gill has been a key part of the white-ball setup in recent times. He also partnered Rohit Sharma at the top in the 2023 World Cup.
With the ability to find the gaps and take charge early on in the innings, Gill is technically sound and classy in his batting at the same time. Having scored a T20I hundred along with four IPL hundreds, he is a prolific run-getter.
Gill is certainly among the frontrunners to replace Virat Kohli in the T20I side. He was not included in the squad for the 2024 T20 World Cup. However, as the captain of the side for the five-match T20I series against Zimbabwe, Gill will have the chance to prove his mettle.