Shubman Gill was given the responsibility of number‑4; Rishabh Pant says – I am finisher number‑5 in all-round team

Gill to Fill Kohli’s No. 4 Spot After Retirement; Pant Confirms the Line‑up

Following Virat Kohli’s retirement from Test cricket on May 12, 2025, the crucial No. 4 batting position in India’s Test team became vacant—a spot previously held by legends like Sachin Tendulkar and Kohli .

Pant Confirms Ahead of Headingley

On June 18, 2025, just before the Headingley Test, India’s vice‑captain and wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant confirmed the changes in the top order:

“I think discussions are still ongoing regarding who bats at No. 3. But decisions for Nos. 4 and 5 are already made. I feel Shubman will bat at No. 4 and I will bat at No. 5.”

Thus, Shubman Gill will occupy the No. 4 slot, while Pant assumes the No. 5 position, effectively filling Kohli’s void.

No. 3 Still a Question Mark

While Nos. 4 and 5 are confirmed, the No. 3 position remains open, with Karun Nair and Sai Sudharsan in contention. Selection hinges on domestic performance, batting consistency, and technical readiness.

Off‑Field Bonding, On‑Field Impact

Pant emphasized his strong relationship with Gill:

“Off the field, Shubman and I share a great bond. If you’re good friends off the field, that camaraderie reflects on the field.”

Their friendship and dynamic mix of calm leadership (Gill) and aggressive intensity (Pant) is seen as a strategic asset for the team .

New Leadership Structure

Recently appointed as India’s Test captain, Gill will now lead alongside vice‑captain Pant—an arrangement underpinned by long-term planning from the BCCI. England’s Jos Buttler assessed Gill’s leadership as a blend of Kohli’s fire and Rohit’s composure .

Absence of Anderson–Broad – Relief, but Not Underestimation

Pant welcomed the absence of seasoned English seamers James Anderson and Stuart Broad, calling it a relief. Still, he issued a warning:

“Feels great that both aren’t playing… but we won’t take anyone lightly. Our team is young and evolving. We must play our cricket.”

Despite the elimination of that bowling duo, England still fields a formidable attack—Chris Woakes, Brydon Carse, and Josh Tongue—offering a stern test for India.

Why This Series Matters

• New captain‑vice‑captain era: Gill and Pant will lead India on English soil in their first assignment together .
• Substantial pressure: Indian batsmen must adapt to swing-heavy conditions where past performances have been modest .
• Post-Kohli/Rohit strategy: With senior leadership retired, the young brigade and new leadership are tasked with steering the team forward.

Key Tactical Takeaways

1. Confirmed batting slots: Nos. 4 (Gill) and 5 (Pant) are set; No. 3 remains under evaluation.
2. Preparation for English swing: Players are being readied technically and mentally for the conditions.
3. Leadership development: Gill’s calm leadership and Pant’s youthful dynamism are being harnessed as complementary forces.

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Final Thoughts

Shubman Gill stepping into the No. 4 position and as Test captain marks a new dawn for Indian cricket. With Rishabh Pant anchoring at No. 5, the blend of composure and aggression should strengthen India’s middle order. Although England’s veteran bowlers are absent, their attack remains competitive; the series starting June 20 at Headingley will test India’s young unit under fresh leadership. The playing XI, batting order, and field strategies suggest a blend of calculated continuity and bold experimentation as India embarks on this transformative chapter.