The iconic “Fab Four” of cricket, Virat Kohli, Steve Smith, Joe Root, and Kane Williamson, have defined modern batting across formats but now, as all four approach their mid-30s, with Kohli retiring from Tests and T20Is and Smith stepping away from ODIs, the game appears to be entering a transition period. While they remain active, fans and experts alike are beginning to look toward the future.
New Era Looms
One of the original Fab Four, Kane Williamson, has now shared his thoughts on the next generation of elite, multi-format players.
“Who could be the four generational players across formats?” Williamson was asked in a recent interview
“The players that come to mind in terms of multi-format are, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Rachin Ravindra, Harry Brook. And also Cameron Green. Those are all outstanding players and have shown fantastic moments in all formats. All young and their games are just growing,” Williamson replied.
Kane Williamson picks the next Fab Four 👀 pic.twitter.com/qOQ4WuwrRO
— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) June 10, 2025
Kohli Still a Cut Above, Says Former South Africa Star
Former South African cricketer Daryll Cullinan recently praised Kohli for his consistency and leadership.
“I think in terms of the Fab Four, he obviously would go down right up there in terms of all formats of the game as being the best of them. They’ve all played some brilliant Test cricket. But what has set me apart with Virat Kohli is that he has taken on the responsibility in all forms of cricket, right up front, the captaincy, the whole expectations of India,” Cullinan said in an interview.
“And he’s carried that like someone who’s wanted that, who’s enjoyed that, and wants to be remembered for that. And that is why I have a tremendous amount of respect for him in terms of the players of his generation.”
“I’m not taking anything away from Smith, Root, or Williamson. All three are very fine players. But besides thinking about the Fab Four, if I just look at him, what I found incredibly impressive has been his desire to be everything that India’s batting is about. In the tough moments, winning games, chasing down big scores, pacing an innings, happily taking on the world on the field. In that regard, I think he stood out as being a tremendous cricketer of any age and time,” Cullinan added.
