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December resurgence: Not over yet! Fab Four continues to defy age and time

Shreyasi

The modern era Fab Four of cricket [Source: @BCCI, @ICC, @cricketcomau]The modern era Fab Four of cricket [Source: @BCCI, @ICC, @cricketcomau]

Like any other sport, cricket has its own stars and icons who have illuminated the grounds with their performance and captivated the fans worldwide. Throughout history, groups of outstanding cricketers have dominated the game in different eras.

In the 1980s, four legendary all-rounders, Imran Khan, Ian Botham, Richard Hadlee, and Kapil Dev excelled with both bat and ball. Indian cricket had its own ‘Fab Four’ batters during the 90s who rewrote cricket history in their own way with their remarkable achievements and individual styles and set new standards for future generations.

The rise of the modern era Fab Four

Once they faded from the spotlight, another new set of ‘Fab Four’ batters started receiving all the attention. However, this ‘Fab Four’ does not belong to a single nation. Each one of them represents a cricketing powerhouse over the last 15 years. Their contributions go beyond their batting as all of them have led their nations with distinction.

Virat Kohli, Steven Smith, Kane Williamson, and Joe Root emerged on the international cricketing circuit around the same period and followed a similar path. Despite the similarities, they have distinct traits that make them unique in their own way.

The modern era ‘Fab Four’ was identified from a very early age. This early recognition inevitably brought considerable pressure. But the 'Fab Four' handled the expectations with impressive composure and maturity.

Their rise to prominence began on the global stage through the ICC Under-19 World Cup. Virat Kohli, Steve Smith, and Kane Williamson all competed in the 2008 edition, while Joe Root participated in the 2010 tournament. Their Under-19 appearances set the stage for what would become prominent faces in international cricket for years to come.

They cemented their names in cricket history for their consistent, record-breaking performances over the years. All four have crossed the 15,000-run mark in international cricket. While Kohli is nearing the 30,000-run mark, thanks to his exceptional performance in the ODIs, the other three are focusing more on Test.

Smith and Root have both achieved the impressive double of scoring over 10,000 runs in Tests and 5,000 runs in ODIs, highlighting their versatility and adaptability. On the other hand, Williamson is on the verge of reaching the 10,000-run milestone in Tests.

Vintage kings of cricket defying the age and time

As 2025 ends, the quartet is also nearing the end of their international cricket careers, but shows no signs of slowing down. The first week of December yet again established their superiority and class as they represented their nations.

It was a treat for the cricket fans across the world. Virat Kohli was back in the Indian side playing ODIs against South Africa. Williamson was at home, playing a Test match against the West Indies. Smith and Root were playing against each other in the Day/Night Test match of the Ashes 2025-26.

Virat Kohli: Setting new standards

Kohli lit up the ODI series against the Proteas with two back-to-back hundreds and a commanding fifty in the decider to clinch the ‘player-of-the-series’ award. It looked like he had never lost touch. He was in sublime form, evoking memories of his prime time. Kohli unleashed his trademark effortless batting, giving glimpses of his younger days.

Steve Smith: Leading from the front

In the absence of Pat Cummins, Smith is leading the Australian team in the ongoing Ashes. Although he could not convert his starts into a hundred, he played a pivotal role by scoring 61 in the first innings. Then Smith went for a feisty 23 off 9 in the second innings. It was the icing on the cake from captain Smith that gave the finishing touch to Australia’s dominating win over England.

Kane Williamson: Forever anchor

Williamson played a typical knock full of grace and patience against the West Indies. He registered his 38th Test fifty in the first innings and top-scored for New Zealand. Despite stabilizing the innings, the team collapsed shortly after his dismissal. His 52-run knock took him past the 1000-run mark against the West Indies in Test.

Joe Root: The drought is over

Root finally managed to put his long-standing Australian century drought to rest and scored his maiden Test century down under. It took him 16 Test matches to achieve the milestone. He must be relieved and hopes to build on this success in the remaining three Test matches of the Ashes. For England, Root’s contribution will be significant as the visitors need a strong resurgence to restore their pride.

Far from over

Witnessing all four of these cricket icons performing in full flow, defying age and time, made the end of the year memorable for cricket fans. The ‘Fab Four’ once again echoed the old saying, ‘Form is temporary, class is permanent’.

The modern era 'Fab Four' is nearing the final stage of their respective illustrious careers, but their presence on the field never fails to fascinate the fans. However, December 2025 came with a promise. The glimpses of ‘Fab Four’ guarantee that until the end arrives, they will continue to captivate the fans with their aura and cricketing brilliance.