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The anticipation ahead of the first Test between England and India at Headingley, Leeds, has been amplified by a major announcement from India’s vice-captain, Rishabh Pant. With the retirements of stalwarts Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, India face a period of transition, especially in its batting line-up. In a move that signals a new era, Pant confirmed that Shubman Gill, now India’s Test captain, will take up the pivotal spot in the batting order—an anchor position long held by one legendary batter of India. Pant himself will continue at No. 5, providing stability and experience to a young and evolving middle order.
Rishabh Pant unveils Shubman Gill’s batting position in ENG vs IND first Test
Pant revealed that Gill will be batting at No. 4 spot his elevation to the position is both a nod to his growing stature and a strategic decision to solidify India’s middle order during this transitional phase. Gill, who started his Test career as an opener and recently occupied the No. 3 slot, now inherits a position that has been the backbone of India’s batting for over a decade.
“I think there is still discussion going on about who is going to play at No. 3. But 4 and 5 are definitely fixed. Shubman is going to bat at 4 and I am going to stick to No. 5 as of now,” Pant stated at the pre-match press conference.
Gill’s move is seen as a natural progression, given his temperament and adaptability—qualities essential for the No. 4 role, especially in English conditions. With the added responsibility of captaincy, Gill’s performance will be closely watched as he aims to provide the same solidity and flair that Kohli brought to the position.
Pant highlighted their strong rapport, noting, “Me and Shubman have a really good camaraderie off the field. If you’re good friends off the field, it eventually shows on the field. The comfort zone we have with each other is going to be really special”.
Also READ: “Those battles we had…”: Joe Root reflects on Virat Kohli ahead of England Test series
Who fills the gaps? India’s batting puzzle beyond Gill’s spot
While the No. 4 and No. 5 slots are settled, the rest of the batting order remains a subject of intense debate. The No. 3 position, vacated by Gill’s promotion, is still up for grabs. The frontrunners are Karun Nair, making a return to the Test side after several years, and the uncapped B Sai Sudharsan, who has impressed in domestic cricket and is highly rated by experts. Nair, who batted at No. 3 in the recent practice match and took up a key role in the slip cordon, is currently seen as the favourite to take on the responsibility of facing the new ball.
At the top, Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul are set to open, rekindling a partnership that bookended the last series in Australia. The lower middle order and all-rounder slots are likely to feature Ravindra Jadeja and potentially one of Nitish Kumar Reddy or Washington Sundar, depending on whether India opt for extra batting depth or a fifth bowler.
As India prepare to face an England side also in transition—missing legends James Anderson and Stuart Broad—the spotlight will be firmly on the new-look Indian batting order. The decisions taken in Leeds could well set the tone for the rest of the series and define the early days of Gill’s captaincy era.
