India is entering a new era in Test cricket, and Shubman Gill has officially been confirmed as Virat Kohli’s successor at No. 4 in the batting order. Vice-captain Rishabh Pant, who retains his place at No. 5, confirmed the decision during a press conference on Wednesday ahead of the five-Test series against England, starting June 20 at Headingley.
“I think there is still discussion going on for no.3. But no. 4 and 5 are fixed. Shubman is going to bat at no.4, and I’m going to stay at no.5 as of now. Rest, we will keep discussing,”
— Rishabh Pant told the media.
Gill, who has previously captained India in T20Is during their tour of Zimbabwe, now steps up to lead the team in the longest format. His promotion to No. 4 — a position long dominated by Kohli — comes with the responsibility of bringing stability to a reshaped batting order following the exits of both Kohli and Rohit Sharma from Test cricket.
The No. 4 spot is not only symbolic but pivotal — a linchpin role once held with distinction by Kohli. Now, the responsibility shifts to Gill, a batter lauded for his temperament, elegance, and tactical adaptability.
Pant, meanwhile, has consistently held the No. 5 spot throughout the 2024–25 Test season. There had been speculation that Karun Nair might be slotted at No. 5, pushing Pant to No. 6, but Pant dismissed that theory.
“Shubman is going to bat at no.4, and I’m going to stay at no.5 as of now,”
— Pant reaffirmed.
The No. 3 Conundrum: Karun Nair or Sai Sudharsan?
While Nos. 4 and 5 appear settled, the identity of India’s No. 3 batter remains undecided. Karun Nair, who has staged a remarkable return with a mountain of runs in domestic cricket, including a double century against England Lions, is seen as a strong contender.
His comeback has been one of the most buzzed-about stories in Indian cricket recently. Traditionally a top or middle-order player, Nair is unlikely to be pushed to No. 6 — a position unfamiliar to him — making the No. 3 slot a strategic battleground.
On the other hand, Sai Sudharsan, who received his maiden Test call-up after stellar performances across all formats, could also be in line for a debut. If selected, India might be forced to reshuffle their order, which would complicate Nair’s positioning.
The final decision could hinge on conditions at Headingley, where early swing and seam movement are expected to test top-order technique. This makes the No. 3 selection critical, both in terms of skill and tactical balance.
With a new captain, fresh faces, and a transition in leadership, all eyes will be on how India shapes its Test future, beginning June 20 in Leeds.