Got another Virat Kohli? Before the 2026 T20 World Cup, the former cricketer made the biggest prediction so far.

News India Live, Digital Desk: Ever since Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have retired from T20 International cricket, there is only one question in the heart of every Indian cricket fan, “What next?” Who will take his place? Who will sail Team India in the 2026 T20 World Cup, which is going to be held in India and Sri Lanka? We often find glimpses of our old heroes in new players. And now, a former legend of Indian cricket has tried to answer the question we are all asking. He believes that India has such a young diamond, who is exactly following the footsteps of Virat Kohli. Who is the one who reflects the ‘Virat’ image? Nowadays, the most talked about in the cricket circles are Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal. But the kind of “class”, “technique” and “hunger to play big innings” that former cricketers are talking about, clearly points towards Shubman Gill. The former Indian player has said a very important thing. He said what was the biggest specialty of Virat Kohli? Consistency and persistence in difficult times. In today’s T20 era where everyone just wants to swing the bat, there is a need for a player who can also become an anchor and change gears when the time comes. And this ability is most visible in Gill in the next generation. It is not easy to become Virat, but the ability is complete. It is easy to make comparisons, but it is not easy to become Virat Kohli. Scoring runs in every corner of the world for 15 years is a penance. But experts say that the way this young player (likely Gill) is improving his game, the way he absorbs pressure and increases the run rate with classical shots, reminds us of Kohli’s early days. In the 2026 World Cup, India does not just want ‘hitters’, India needs a ‘leader’ who will stand at the crease. The former cricketer believes that the coming two years are going to be very important for this player. If he is given the right opportunities and trust, then in 2026 we will probably see the coronation of a new ‘King’. Burden of responsibility or opportunity? Replacing Kohli is like wearing a crown of thorns. There will be mountains of expectations and comparisons will be made in every match. But a diamond can be identified only under pressure. As fans, we will have to give some time to this new talent. So friends, stop worrying. The ‘bench strength’ of Indian cricket is so strong that the field will not remain deserted even after the departure of the legends. Preparations are complete, just waiting for 2026!