Kane Williamson Reveals the Next ‘Fab 4’: Two Indians, One Aussie — But No Pakistani Cricketer

The cricketing world has long celebrated a golden quartet that redefined batting excellence across all formats: Virat Kohli, Kane Williamson, Steve Smith, and Joe Root. Popularly referred to as the ‘Fab Four’, this elite group dominated the 2010s with a combination of flair, consistency, and match-winning brilliance. Each player brought a unique style to the crease, and their head-to-head battles and performances formed some of the finest narratives of the modern era.

Now, as these icons approach the twilight of their careers, conversations have shifted to the future — and the next generation poised to carry the torch. Interestingly, the person sparking this discussion is none other than Kane Williamson, one of the original Fab Four members himself.

In a recent interaction, Williamson revealed his picks for the next ‘Fab Four’, and his choices have already set the cricketing world abuzz.

The Original ‘Fab Four’: An Era of Modern Greats

Before delving into the new names, it’s worth reflecting on the original quartet that earned the ‘Fab Four’ label:

• Virat Kohli – Arguably the face of Indian cricket for over a decade, Kohli has broken countless records and inspired millions with his intensity, fitness, and hunger for runs. Though now retired from T20Is and Tests, his legacy across formats remains unmatched.
• Kane Williamson – The calm and composed leader from New Zealand has been the anchor of his team across all formats. Known for his graceful strokeplay and cricketing intellect, Williamson remains one of the most respected figures in world cricket.
• Steve Smith – The unconventional genius from Australia, Smith baffled bowlers with his unorthodox technique but piled up runs like few others. While he has moved on from ODIs, his Test credentials remain elite.

All four are now in their mid-30s. As their careers naturally wind down, the world is eager to know: who will step into their shoes?

Kane Williamson Names the Next ‘Fab Four’

His list included two Indian stars, one from Australia, and one from England. Surprisingly, no Pakistani cricketer made his elite list, a point that has sparked debate among fans.

So, who made the cut according to Williamson?

Let’s break down his picks:

1. Shubman Gill (India)

With a calm head and elegant batting style, Gill has already made significant strides across formats. Whether it’s anchoring a chase in ODIs, setting the tone in Tests, or dominating in T20s, Gill has shown the temperament and technique reminiscent of a young Kohli.

Williamson praised Gill for his maturity, saying:

“He plays with great composure. There’s a balance in his game that’s rare for someone so young.”

2. Yashasvi Jaiswal (India)

Another rising Indian sensation, Yashasvi Jaiswal, has burst onto the scene with fearless intent. A natural stroke-maker with a solid domestic and IPL foundation, Jaiswal has caught the eye with aggressive yet calculated innings, particularly in the Test format.

Kane lauded Jaiswal’s fearless nature:

With both Gill and Jaiswal being part of India’s long-term plans, their inclusion in the new Fab Four feels like a nod to India’s bright batting future.

3. Harry Brook (England)

England’s new batting prodigy Harry Brook has emerged as a dependable player in the middle order. Known for his explosive stroke-play and adaptability, Brook has found success in both red and white ball cricket in a very short span. Many in the English camp see him as a long-term successor to Joe Root in terms of impact.

Williamson commented on Brook’s rapid rise:

“He has the ability to change games quickly. There’s a flair about his cricket that stands out.”

Brook’s aggressive approach fits well into England’s new ‘Bazball’ era and promises much in years to come.

4. Cameron Green (Australia)

From Australia, Cameron Green has been touted as a generational talent. A tall, powerful all-rounder, Green has the potential to become a three-format star. His ability to score big runs, bowl effective medium pace, and hold his nerve in crunch moments makes him one of Australia’s most prized assets.

Williamson admired Green’s all-round ability:

Though Green still has a lot to prove, especially with the bat, his potential is immense.

No Pakistani Star in the New Fab Four?

One of the biggest talking points from Williamson’s list was the absence of any Pakistani player, particularly Babar Azam. Babar, often compared to Kohli, has impressive stats and is widely regarded as one of the top batters in world cricket. Naturally, his omission sparked conversation.

While Williamson didn’t comment directly on Babar’s absence, cricket fans speculated that the picks were based more on future promise than current rankings. The new Fab Four are still in their early-to-mid 20s and represent the next wave of dominance, whereas Babar, at 30, may already belong to the transitional group rather than the future core.

Still, fans from Pakistan expressed disappointment, believing Babar deserved to be in the conversation.

Why Williamson’s Choices Matter

As one of the most respected minds in cricket, Kane Williamson’s picks carry weight. Unlike fans or media analysts, his choices come from a place of deep cricketing understanding. Having played with and against almost every international cricketer of note, he offers rare insight.

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