Kane Williamson Reflects on Cricket’s ‘Fab Four’ Era and the Search for Its Next Generation

Virat Kohli, Kane Williamson, Steve Smith, and Joe Root emerged in the 2010s as cricket’s elite quartet, famously dubbed the ‘Fab Four’.

With remarkable consistency across formats, the four became towering figures in international cricket. While they all remain active, their careers appear to be entering the twilight phase.

Each is now in his mid-30s—Kohli has already stepped away from Test and T20Is, and Smith has exited ODIs. As the cricketing world continues to admire the original ‘Fab Four’, attention is now turning to who might carry the torch forward.

Williamson Picks the Next Fab Four

In a recent conversation with ESPNcricinfo, Kane Williamson was asked who he thought could be the next set of players to dominate across all formats. His response included some fresh faces showing promise and skill in international cricket.

“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 said.

Cullinan Hails Kohli as the Best of the Fab Four

Former South African cricketer Daryll Cullinan recently weighed in on the Fab Four debate, placing Virat Kohli at the top for his all-format success and leadership responsibilities.

“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 told Hindustan Times.

Cullinan further praised Kohli’s ability to thrive under pressure. “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,” he added.

An Era Nearing Its End

With Kohli retired from Tests and T20Is, Smith no longer part of ODIs, Root not playing T20Is, and Williamson having missed T20I action since New Zealand’s exit against PNG in last year’s T20 World Cup, the days of the Fab Four are numbered.

The cricketing landscape is on the brink of a major transition, with these four legends soon to make way for a new generation.

Identifying the Next Generation

Williamson’s suggestion of Jaiswal, Gill, Ravindra, Brook, and Green as the next big names in world cricket reflects a shift towards youth and versatility. These players have already made their presence felt across formats and continue to grow rapidly.

Interestingly, Williamson isn’t alone in spotting these rising stars. Earlier this year, former England captains Nasser Hussain and Michael Atherton also speculated on the future Fab Four.

Hussain picked Jaiswal, Brook, Australia’s Travis Head, and Pakistan’s Saim Ayub. Atherton chose Rachin Ravindra and Sri Lanka’s Kamindu Mendis, alongside Jaiswal and Brook.

A Look at Jaiswal’s Meteoric Rise

Among the potential Fab Four, Yashasvi Jaiswal has particularly impressed. He had a memorable Test debut and followed it up with a stellar series against England at home, where he scored over 700 runs.

Last year in Australia, while many Indian batters struggled, Jaiswal stood out with his century in Perth—the only match India won—and ended the series with 391 runs at an average of 43.44.

The Original Fab Four’s Legacy

The concept of the Fab Four evolved over time. Initially used to describe India’s legendary Test quartet—Rahul Dravid, Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly, and VVS Laxman—it expanded post their retirements to include Kohli, Smith, Root, and Williamson.

Despite other stars like David Warner, Rohit Sharma, Tom Latham, Jonny Bairstow, and Eoin Morgan making significant contributions, the consistent dominance of Kohli, Smith, Williamson, and Root earned them the legendary tag.

As world cricket stands on the cusp of change, the torch is being passed. While the original Fab Four will always be remembered for defining a generation, the next group of multi-format stars appears ready to shape the game’s future.