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 Rishabh Pant confirmed on Wednesday. With Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma stepping away from the longest format ahead of this tour, two massive vacancies opened up in India’s batting order, and Gill is 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 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.
Gill, who has led the Indian team in T20Is during their tour of Zimbabwe last year, has long been viewed as a leader-in-waiting, and will now assume full charge in Test whites. His shift to No. 4 has largely aligned with expectations and India will hope that it retains the stability to a batting order in transition.
The No. 4 spot, once considered immovable during Kohli’s era, now finds its successor in a batter known for his calmness, flair and adaptability. Pant, who is also the vice-captain, has batted at no.5 throughout India’s 2024/25 Test season. Ahead of the first Test, many opined that Karun Nair could be India’s new no.5, with Pant shifting to sixth spot; however, the wicketkeeper-batter has quashed those speculations.
