Shubman Gill has been confirmed as Virat Kohli’s successor at No. 4 in India’s Test XI, while vice-captain Rishabh Pant will continue at No. 5.
Shubman Gill to Inherit Kohli’s Iconic No. 4 Spot in New-Look Indian Lineup
India’s newly-appointed Test captain Shubman Gill will bat at No. 4 in the opening match of the five-Test series against England, wicketkeeper-batter and vice-captain Rishabh Pant confirmed on Wednesday. With Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma stepping away from the longest format ahead of this tour, India’s batting order is undergoing a significant transition—Gill now set to occupy the position long held by Kohli.
“I think there is still discussion going on for No. 3. But No. 4 and 5 are fixed. Shubman Gill is going to bat at No. 4, and I’m going to stay at No. 5 as of now. Rest, we will keep discussing,” Pant told the media during a press conference. The first Test begins June 20 at Headingley.
Shubman Gill, who previously led India in T20Is during their tour of Zimbabwe, has long been regarded as a captain-in-waiting. His promotion to Test captain and elevation to the crucial No. 4 slot reflects his growing stature within the team. India will be banking on his composure and stroke-making ability to stabilize a reshaped batting lineup.
Where will Nair play?
What remains unresolved ahead of the first Test is the critical decision surrounding India’s No. 3 batting position. Karun Nair, who has stormed back into the national spotlight with a mountain of domestic runs and a sensational double century in the tour match against England Lions, is currently seen as the frontrunner for the role.
Nair’s comeback has been one of the most talked-about stories in recent times, and he appears well-suited to occupy one of the top three slots. However, India’s selection puzzle deepens with the inclusion of promising left-hander Sai Sudharsan, who received his maiden Test call-up after impressing consistently across formats.
If Sudharsan is included in the playing XI—potentially as an opener alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal—it may prompt the team to reassess the batting order. Karun Nair, known for anchoring in the top or middle order, is unlikely to be slotted at No. 6, a position unfamiliar to him. That makes the No. 3 decision particularly significant, especially given the swinging conditions expected at Headingley, where England’s bowlers will look to capitalize on any early vulnerability in India’s top order.