India’s new Test era will officially begin on Friday with Shubman Gill stepping into the pivotal No. 4 role, previously held by the legendary Virat Kohli. The decision was confirmed by wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant during a press conference in Leeds on Wednesday, ahead of the first Test against England.
Pant revealed that while the team is still finalizing its No. 3 batter, positions No. 4 and 5 are set. “I think there is still discussion going on, who’s going to play at No. 3 but definitely 4 and 5 are fixed. I think Shubman is going to bat at No. 4 and I’m going to stick to No. 5 as of now, and the rest, we’re going to keep on discussing about that,” Pant said.
The upcoming series marks India’s first Test assignment since the retirements of stalwarts Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli from red-ball cricket. Gill, just 25, now shoulders the immense responsibility of stabilizing India’s middle-order—a role previously dominated by Kohli, who amassed 7,564 Test runs at No. 4.
Gill’s elevation to the No. 4 spot reflects the team management’s faith in his technique and temperament, particularly in overseas conditions. Though this will be his first Test innings at the position, Gill has shown versatility across formats and had a brief taste of leadership when he captained India in a T20I series against Zimbabwe in July 2024.
Pant also highlighted his strong off-field relationship with Gill, emphasizing the importance of camaraderie in building a cohesive team. “I think me and Shubman have a really good camaraderie off the field. If you’re good friends off the field, it eventually comes on the field as well. That is something I’ve always believed,” he said.
“Me and him, we gel really well together. We keep on having conversations and the kind of comfort zone we have with each other, I think that is really going to be special for us,” Pant added.
As India prepares to face England in a crucial away series, the spotlight will be firmly on Gill to provide stability and flair in a role that has historically defined India’s Test fortunes. For Pant and Gill, their understanding and chemistry might just be the glue that binds the team in this transitional phase.
