Ajaz Patel reveals his next-generation 'Fab Four', picks two Indians [Exclusive]

Published - 05 Sept 2025, 19:02 IST | Updated - 05 Sept 2025, 19:35 IST

New Zealand cricketer Ajaz Patel has revealed his 'Fab Four'. For years, the ‘Fab Four’ has consisted of Virat Kohli, Steve Smith, Joe Root and Kane Williamson. Ajaz named their successors, including Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rachin Ravindra and Harry Brook, revealing his choices in an exclusive interaction with CricTracker.

Gill is coming off a prolific five-match Test series against England. The top-order batter amassed 754 runs in 10 innings, emerging as the leading run-getter in the series. The assignment was also his first as a full-time Test skipper. Apart from his batting, Gill earned plaudits for the leadership skills he exhibited on his maiden series as captain.

Coming to Jaiswal, he has been in prime form in T20Is. Jaiswal possesses an explosive strike rate of 164.31 in the 23 T20Is, while he averages an impressive 50.20 in the longest format, having played 24 Tests so far. Jaiswal's attacking and fearless batting approach has been commended by fellow players and the oppositions alike.

Speaking of Ajaz's national teammate Rachin, he broke into the senior team in 2021. The fluid left-handed batter has a solid technique and he is turning out to be an all-format player. Since making his international debut in 2021, he has played 17 Tests, 33 ODIs and 30 T20Is. Rachin is believed to be one of the future stars of New Zealand cricket.

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Ajaz's final pick, the promising England star Brook kicked off his career in international cricket in 2022. Brook has become a force to reckon with, thanks to his power-packed play in the shortest format. He does not change his mindset while switching from the white-ball formats to Tests, which makes him a valuable asset for the English team. Brook has also been appointed as England's white-ball captain.