 "Rishabh Pant at the press conference ahead of 1st Test against England. Image: X/RevSportz")
In a major update ahead of the upcoming first Test match against England, India vice-captain Rishabh Pant has confirmed that captain Shubman Gill will take over the crucial No. 4 spot in the batting order. The position was previously held by India legend Virat Kohli , who recently retired from Test cricket.
Pant confirms Gill as Kohli’s replacement
However, Pant also added that the team management is still undecided on who will bat at No. 3, which was earlier Gill’s position in the batting order. Speaking to reporters during a pre-match press conference on Wednesday, Pant said, “There is still discussion going on who will bat at No. 3. Shubham will go in at No. 4 and I will bat at 5.”
Pant’s comment has ended all speculations around who will step into Kohli’s shoes after he retired from the red-ball format. The No. 4 position has been one of the most important in the Indian Test team for decades, with legends like Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli gracing it. Gill now getting the spot shows the team’s faith in him.
The final call on the No. 3 slot is expected to be taken just before the first Test, which begins in Leeds on 20 June. Sai Sudharsan and Karun Nair are currently the front-runners to secure the position. KL Rahul is expected to take the opener’s slot, with former skipper Rohit Sharma also retired from Tests.