Indian veterans Ajinkya Rahane and Dinesh Karthik have picked their choices for cricket’s next ‘Fab Four’. They included Shubman Gill, Harry Brook, and Rachin Ravindra, while Rahane backed Sri Lanka’s Pathum Nissanka and Karthik selected Australia’s Travis Head as their fourth choice.
Virat Kohli plays only ODIs, Steve Smith has retired from ODI cricket, Joe Root remains active mainly in Tests and ODIs, while Kane Williamson has retired from international cricket. The changing format landscape has also made it harder for batters to dominate across all three formats.
Ajinkya Rahane Names His Next Generation Fab Four
Speaking to Cricbuzz, Ajinkya Rahane believes the next generation needs to perform consistently in Test cricket while also making an impact across formats. He picked Shubman Gill, Harry Brook, Rachin Ravindra and Pathum Nissanka as his Fab Four.
“The first one in my mind is Shubman Gill. Second is Harry Brook, then Rachin Ravindra from New Zealand and Nissanka from Sri Lanka. These four players are playing consistently and doing really well across formats,” Ajinkya Rahane said.
“Shubman is only playing Test and ODI cricket, not T20, but hopefully he’ll play the third format as well. I think these four players can take Test cricket to the next level. You want to see Test cricket survive, and that’s really important,” he added.
Dinesh Karthik Picks Travis Head Over Pathum Nissanka
Dinesh Karthik agreed with Ajinkya Rahane on Shubman Gill, Harry Brook, and Rachin Ravindra but made a different choice for the other two spots. He included Travis Head in his Fab Four, while also highlighting the potential of Yashasvi Jaiswal.
“In today’s game, I would say Harry Brook and Travis Head are doing it right now. Sadly, Shubman Gill is not in India’s T20 side, but given a chance, he could easily play T20 for India. I don’t see why he shouldn’t be playing it very soon,” Dinesh Karthik said.
“Rachin Ravindra has also been very good, but not to the extent that Harry Brook has been across formats. So, if I had to pick a Fab Four today, I would go with these four players,” he added.
“I would love to add Yashasvi to this list, but he is not part of two of the three formats. He is in the ODI squad but hasn’t played much, and we all know how destructive he can be in T20 cricket,” Karthik said.
Cricket’s Next FAB 4❓
1. Shubman Gill 🏏
Who are the other 3❓@DineshKarthik & @ajinkyarahane88 pick!#INDvWI pic.twitter.com/aSV1JednUy
— Cricbuzz (@cricbuzz) October 2, 2026
Shubman Gill Strengthens Case With Record-Breaking Double Century
Shubman Gill smashed a record-breaking double century in the second ODI against West Indies in Guwahati on September 30. West Indies posted their highest-ever ODI total after scoring 405/7, with John Campbell, Shai Hope and Amir Jangoo hitting centuries.
Gill then combined with Rohit Sharma for a 255-run opening partnership. Rohit scored 101 off 75 balls, while Gill completed his century from 62 deliveries. The India skipper then reached his double century in just 117 balls, the fastest in international cricket.
Gill finished unbeaten on 223 off 133 balls, with 26 fours and eight sixes, as India chased down 406 in 43.3 overs. The victory gave India their highest successful ODI chase and an unassailable 2-0 series lead.
Gill had also played a key role in the series opener in Thiruvananthapuram. He survived an early chance at 11 when substitute fielder Keemo Paul dropped him. The batter scored 110 off 108 balls, including 13 fours and one six, as India chased 296 to win by eight wickets.
Also read: India flex muscle, schedule 6 ODIs in South Africa ahead of 2027 World Cup
