Aakash Chopra Excludes Kohli from ‘Fab 4’ in Test Cricket, Questions Warner’s Future
Former Indian opener Aakash Chopra recently expressed his views on the ‘Fab 4’, a term used to refer to the top batsmen in Test cricket in the current era. The ‘Fab 4’ includes Steve Smith from Australia, Joe Root, the former captain of England, Kane Williamson from New Zealand, and Virat Kohli, a prominent batsman from India. However, since 2020, Kohli’s performance in Test cricket has deteriorated, as he has only recorded one century in the longest format. Chopra feels that Kohli shouldn’t be included in the ‘Fab 4’ based on the present circumstances.
While Smith and Root are currently participating in the Ashes series among England and Australia and performing well, Williamson hasn’t played since April 2023. He still holds the top place among Test batters in the ICC rankings, though.
Chopra stated on his YouTube channel, “Kane and Joe Root, without a doubt. Steve Smith, who has an average of 50 with six centuries, unquestionably deserves to be included. However, David Warner and Virat Kohli are currently not a part of the Fab 4. There is no Fab 4 at the moment; it’s only a Fab 3.”
Chopra further mentioned that based on statistics, he might consider adding Pakistan’s Babar Azam to the list, but he does not believe Azam is currently fit to be included in the ‘Fab 4’.
“While Babar Azam has certainly scored runs in Test cricket, I don’t think he should be considered a part of the Fab 4 at this moment. I am specifically referring to Test matches,” Chopra explained.
Chopra emphasized that Joe Root, Kane Williamson, and Steve Smith are still part of the group, but Virat Kohli and Warner have dropped out. Kohli might make a comeback, but Warner’s Test career, in Chopra’s opinion, seems to be nearing its end.
Regarding Kohli, the former Indian captain’s last Test century was achieved during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia in March of this year. However, he had modest scores of 14 and 49 in the World Test Championship final against New Zealand in June.
Kohli will return to action in the all-format series against the West Indies, commencing on July 12 with two Test matches.
