Former England all-rounder Moeen Ali and white-ball specialist Adil Rashid recently shared their picks for the next generation’s Fab Four, and both included two Indian batters, Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal.
Former New Zealand batter Martin Crowe introduced the concept of the ‘Fab Four’ in 2014, mentioning the brilliance of Virat Kohli, Steven Smith, Joe Root, and Kane Williamson. For years, these players not only dominated batting charts but also carried the hopes of their respective nations.
With their careers entering twilight, fans and experts have begun speculating about the next set of players who can replicate such influence. Ali and Rashid recently opened up on the debate and picked their choices not just on numbers, but also talent, temperament, and future potential. Both Moeen and Rashid were unanimous in their selection of Harry Brook (England), Shubman Gill (India), and Yashasvi Jaiswal (India) as three members of the next Fab Four.
“Shubman Gill, just the way he bats and the way he makes it look quite easy. In this series in England, his technique has gotten so much better. Sound guy and he’s a top player, very nice, very elegant and stylish. There’s certain things you watch a batter for, certain shots or certain things that a batter does, he’s one of them, and not a lot can do that. The way he’s batting right now, it feels like he’s in complete control,” he said on Beard Before Wicket.
Meanwhile, Rashid backed Jacob Bethell, a 21-year-old England all-rounder who has already shown moments of brilliance with both bat and ball in limited opportunities.
“Brook, Gill, Jaiswal… I would Bethell. In the next five or six years he will be there,” Rashid said.
I am going to go with Ravindra: Moeen Ali
Moeen Ali chose Rachin Ravindra of New Zealand, who impressed during the 2023 ODI World Cup and has already scored over 1,200 Test runs. Moeen highlighted Ravindra’s adaptability across conditions, saying he “has the technique and hunger to succeed everywhere.”
“A lot of people know that he (Bethell) has not scored a 100 in any professional cricket, but it’s the way he bats. His issue is going to be actually a bit of injuries. He gets injured a lot. He is a very naturally talented, gifted player. He has got good power. I like his technique. So three (Brook, Gill, and Jaiswal) are there, and I am going to go with Ravindra, and I am going to go with Bethell at 5,” Moeen added.
India
