Shubman Gill has been officially confirmed as India’s new No. 4 in Test cricket, succeeding Virat Kohli, who recently retired from the format. This move comes ahead of the first Test against England at Headingley, starting June 20, 2025.
Key Details
- Gill, previously India’s No. 3 in Tests, will now occupy the pivotal No. 4 position, a spot that was synonymous with Kohli for over a decade.
- The decision was confirmed by vice-captain Rishabh Pant during a pre-match press conference, where he also stated that he will remain at No. 5 in the batting order.
- The No. 3 slot remains undecided, with contenders including Karun Nair, Sai Sudharsan, and Abhimanyu Easwaran.
- Gill’s elevation to No. 4 aligns with expectations, as he is seen as a leader-in-waiting and now captain of the Test side.
Context and Expectations
- The transition marks a significant shift for India’s batting lineup, with both Kohli and Rohit Sharma stepping away from Test cricket before this series.
- Former coach Ravi Shastri and other cricket experts have backed Gill for the No. 4 role, citing his temperament, adaptability, and leadership qualities as ideal for the position Kohli once made his own.
- India is entering a new era, hoping Gill can provide stability and continue the legacy of strong performances at No. 4.
Batting Order Snapshot (for 1st Test vs England)
| Position | Player |
| 1 | Yashasvi Jaiswal |
| 2 | KL Rahul |
| 3 | To be decided |
| 4 | Shubman Gill |
| 5 | Rishabh Pant |
Summary:
Shubman Gill will take over Virat Kohli’s iconic No. 4 spot in India’s Test batting order, starting with the England series at Headingley, as confirmed by team management and players.
