The Indian team is set to play a five -match Test series against England. Although the team has been announced, it still remains a mystery as to who will bat on number-4 in this series of five matches. Shubman Gill and Karun Nair are considered to be the main contenders for playing at number four in place of Virat Kohli. Meanwhile, former Australian cricketer Matthew Hayden has also chosen KL Rahul as a candidate to bat at this place.

Legendary players like Sachin Tendulkar and recently retired from this format have batted on the number four position in Indian cricket. Given the current squad structure of the team, it seems that Rahul can start the innings with Yashasvi Jaiswal. But Hayden believes that 33 -year -old Rahul is a perfect fit option to play at number four in place of Virat. The former opener also explained why he feels that this Karnataka batsman should not open with Jaiswal, especially in England.

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What did Matthew Hayden say

Matthew Hayden said, “I see another issue here. KL Rahul will open, I believe. My problem is that I think he is your best player in Test cricket. He is absolutely custom-medal option to play on number four in place of Virat Kohli. Hayden further said that I do not like him as an opening batsman.

Matthew Hayden said, KL Rahul is a reliable player in England’s circumstances. At this time, India’s best batsman is the best batsman, who may require additional security. Former cricketer -turned -commentator Hayden said that Rahul can play the role of anchor on number four, especially when the new ball has been damaged.

18 -member Indian team for England tour: Shubman Gill (Captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudarshan, Rishabh Pant (Deputy Captain/Wicketkeeper), Nitish Kumar Reddy, Ravindra Jadeja, Dhruv Juril (wicketkeeper), Abhimanyu Ishwar, Shardul Thakur, Jaspreet Bumrah, Mohammad Siraj, famous Krishna, Karun Nair, Kulne Nair, Kulpadh Singh, Kuldeep, Kuldeep, Kuldeep, Kuldeep, Kuldeep, Kulpadh, Kulpadh, Kulpandar, Kulpandar, Kulpadh, Kulpandar, Kulla Yadav

Full schedule of India vs England Test series

First Test: 20-24 June, 2025- Handingley, Leeds
Second Test: July 2-6, 2025- Edgbaston, Birmingham
Third Test: 10-14 July, 2025- Lords, London
Fourth Test: 23-27 July, 2025- Old Trafford, Manchester
Fifth Test: 31 July-4 August, 2025- The Oval, London