Virat Kohli, Steve Smith, Joe Root, and Kane Williamson — the legendary ‘Fab Four’ of the 2010s — have been cricketing icons, dominating all formats with remarkable consistency and flair. While all four are still active, their time at the top is slowly winding down, with each now in their mid-30s. Kohli has stepped away from Test and T20 internationals, and Smith has moved on from ODIs. As fans continue to celebrate the legacy of these greats, conversations have already begun about who could carry the baton forward.
Interestingly, one of the original ‘Fab Four’ members, Kane Williamson, was recently asked who he thinks could form the next generation’s elite quartet.
“In terms of multi-format potential, a few names come to mind — Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Rachin Ravindra, Harry Brook… and also Cameron Green,” Williamson said in an interview with ESPNcricinfo. “All of them are incredibly talented and have already delivered impressive performances across formats. They’re still young, and their games are only getting better.”
Meanwhile, former South African cricketer Daryll Cullinan weighed in on the original Fab Four debate, singling out Virat Kohli as the standout among the group.
“In the Fab Four discussion, I’d place Kohli right at the top, especially because of the responsibility he’s taken on across all formats,” Cullinan said in a conversation with Hindustan Times. “From leading the team to taking on the pressure of carrying India’s batting in key moments, he’s done it all — and seemed to thrive on it.”
Cullinan emphasized that while Smith, Root, and Williamson are exceptional players, Kohli’s hunger to represent everything Indian batting stands for sets him apart.
“He’s played match-winning knocks, chased big totals, paced innings brilliantly, and has never shied away from a fight on the field. That level of passion and commitment is why I have enormous respect for him — not just among his contemporaries, but as a great of any era.”
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