IND vs ENG: Rishabh Pant Reveals Batting Order Ahead of First Test; Shubman Gill to Bat at No.4

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CFLL Staff

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18 Jun 2025 | 03:03 PM
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As India prepares for the opening Test against England at Headingley, Leeds on Friday, June 20, vice-captain Rishabh Pant has revealed a major shift in the team’s batting order. The five-match series marks a significant transition period for both teams, and India's restructured batting line-up is at the centre of attention.

 

SHUBMAN GILL TO TAKE OVER No. 4 ROLE AFTER KOHLI’S RETIREMENT

 

Addressing the media on Wednesday, Pant confirmed that Shubman Gill will step into the pivotal No. 4 spot—recently vacated by Virat Kohli following his retirement from Test cricket in May. “Shubman will be batting at No.4, and I will continue at No.5,” Pant stated. “The No.3 position remains undecided and will be finalized soon.”

 

This decision marks a noteworthy change for Gill, who began his Test journey as an opener. Over the past year, he has been gradually pushed down the order, first to No. 3 to accommodate the rise of Yashasvi Jaiswal, and now to No. 4 to bring more stability to the middle order.

 

A NEW-LOOK INDIAN BATTING ORDER POST-KOHLI-ROHIT ERA

 

The upcoming Test will be India’s first since the retirements of both Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma stalwarts who led the team through a golden era of red-ball cricket. With this new structure, India is clearly entering a rebuilding phase, especially in the batting department.

 

Pant’s confirmation indicates a more flexible and experimental approach, with key batting roles still up for grabs as the team searches for its next generation of leaders.

 

TENDULKAR-ANDERSON TROPHY USHERS IN NEW RIVALRY CHAPTER

 

The 2025 series also debuts a new name the Tendulkar-Anderson Trophy symbolizing the storied history and evolving future of the India-England Test rivalry. Both teams are undergoing transitions: England, too, are navigating a post-Anderson era with fresh faces entering their setup.

 

India hasn’t won a Test series in England since 2007. Their closest opportunity came during the 2021 tour when they led 2-1 before the final Test was postponed due to COVID-19. That match was played in 2022, and India fell short of sealing the series win.

 

LOOKING AHEAD

 

With the first ball set to be bowled on June 20 at Headingley, all eyes will be on how this restructured Indian side fares in English conditions. Gill’s new role, Pant’s leadership in the middle order, and the mystery around the No.3 position all add intriguing layers to what promises to be a compelling Test series.