The legendary “Fab Four” era, first identified by Martin Crowe in 2014, is entering its most defining phase. As of January 2026, modern cricket’s golden generation has shifted from rivalry to legacy. Retirements, record chases, and format specialisation have changed the balance, but the impact of this quartet still shapes the global game.
With Test cricket once again at the centre of greatness debates and white-ball dominance clearly defined, the Fab Four conversation has evolved rather than ended.
Test Cricket Supremacy: Who Now Leads the Fab Four Race?
Test cricket remains the format in which this era was forged, and in 2026, the balance has clearly tilted.
Joe Root has emerged as the standout figure in red-ball cricket. His second peak, starting in 2021, has been one of the greatest sustained runs in Test history. Root recently crossed 41 Test centuries and is now within realistic reach of Sachin Tendulkar’s all-time Test run record. With England continuing to prioritise the format, Root’s volume and fitness give him a clear advantage.
Steve Smith, while no longer at his absolute peak, still boasts the best Test average among the group. His ability to dominate high-quality attacks, especially in the Ashes, remains unmatched. Smith’s decision to retire from ODIs has allowed him to extend his Test career with the Australian Cricket Team.
Virat Kohli’s retirement from Test cricket in 2025 marked the emotional turning point of the Fab Four era. While his final numbers did not reach Tendulkar-level volume, his influence on India’s overseas performances remains historic.
Kane Williamson continues to be the backbone of New Zealand’s Test side. Though injuries have limited his appearances, his consistency and technical control keep his average among the elite.
ODI and White-Ball Legacy: A Crown Already Decided
In one-day cricket, the debate is effectively over.
Virat Kohli stands alone as the greatest ODI batter of all time. With 53 ODI centuries and over 14,500 runs, no active player is even on a comparable path. His focus is now entirely on extending his 50-over legacy ahead of the 2027 World Cup, having already retired from T20 internationals.
Steve Smith’s ODI retirement in 2025 confirmed his red-ball priorities, while Root and Williamson continue to play ODIs selectively due to packed schedules and workload management.
In T20Is, Kohli’s retirement after the 2024 World Cup closed another chapter, while the other three have largely stepped away from the format at the international level.
As cricket transitions toward the next generation, featuring players like Shubman Gill and Harry Brook, the Fab Four era will be remembered not for one winner but for redefining batting standards forever.
