Back in 2014, Martin Crowe called Steve Smith, Virat Kohli, Kane Williamson and Joe Root the ‘Fab Four’. At that time they were just starting out but went on to lead their teams in all formats and become legends of Test cricket.
Now though, things are changing. Williamson no longer has a central contract, Steve’s done with ODIs and Kohli has stepped back from both Test cricket and T20Is. None of them are captaining their teams anymore.
With the ‘Fab Four’ winding down their careers the big question is who will take their place? Williamson thinks five players are ready to step up. He picked two Indians, his teammate Rachin Ravindra and a player each from England and Australia.
The players that come to mind in terms of multi-format are: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Rachin Ravindra, Harry Brook and Cam Green. They’re all great players and have had big moments in all formats. They’re young and their games are only getting better, Williamson told ESPN Cricinfo.
While those four have already made a name for themselves in international cricket they are now moving into leadership roles. Brook was recently named England’s new white-ball captain and Gill has taken over as India’s Test captain.
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As for Williamson he hasn’t played since the 2025 Champions Trophy where New Zealand lost to India in the final. He’s expected to be back on the field next month when New Zealand heads to Zimbabwe for a T20I tri-series that also includes South Africa, followed by two Test matches against Zimbabwe.
