A New Chapter in Indian Test Cricket: Shubman Gill Steps into Leadership and Fills Kohli's No. 4 Role
Indian cricket is stepping into a new era. With the retirement of long-standing icons from the longest format, the team is undergoing a major transition. One of the most striking changes is the appointment of Shubman Gill as India’s new Test captain — a move that symbolizes a generational shift in leadership and vision.
As India prepares for its much-anticipated five-Test series against England, starting June 20 at Headingley, the team’s new structure is becoming clear. With Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma stepping away from Test duties, two massive gaps have appeared in the batting order. The question on everyone's mind was: Who will take over these iconic positions, especially Kohli’s legendary No. 4 spot?
Now, we have our answer.
Gill to Bat at No. 4: Rishabh Pant Confirms the Lineup
At a pre-series press conference, Rishabh Pant, India’s wicketkeeper-batter and vice-captain, officially announced that Shubman Gill will bat at number 4 in the first Test. This is the spot that Kohli occupied for nearly a decade, and for many fans, it carries immense symbolic and strategic weight.
Pant himself will continue to bat at No. 5, squashing recent rumors that Karun Nair might come in at No. 5 with Pant pushed to No. 6. “As of now, I’ll stay at No. 5. Rest, we will keep discussing,” Pant said, leaving the door open for future tweaks based on match situations or player form.
Why No. 4 Matters in Indian Cricket
The No. 4 position in cricket is often the linchpin of the batting order. In the Indian context, it's even more important. For years, Sachin Tendulkar and then Virat Kohli made this slot their own, anchoring innings, absorbing pressure, and setting up victories.
Kohli, in particular, made the position synonymous with consistency, aggression, and class. To occupy that spot now is both a great responsibility and an opportunity — and Shubman Gill is widely seen as the natural heir to this legacy.
Shubman Gill: The Rise of a Calm Leader
Shubman Gill’s journey to Test captaincy has been nothing short of remarkable. From making headlines in the 2018 U-19 World Cup to scoring centuries in overseas conditions, Gill has showcased not only technical brilliance but also temperament beyond his years.
Last year, he led the Indian T20I team during their Zimbabwe tour, showing a mature head on young shoulders. While that stint was short, it was enough for selectors and fans to take note: this is a man built for leadership.
Now, at just 25 years old, Gill is not only leading the side in Tests but also shouldering the weight of Kohli’s role at No. 4. It’s a double responsibility, and the team — along with the nation — is watching closely.
The Transition: From Kohli-Rohit to Gill-Pant
This England series marks a major shift in Indian Test cricket. For the past decade, the team was centered around Kohli’s aggression, Rohit’s elegance, and a well-set top and middle order. With both senior players now stepping away from red-ball cricket, a vacuum in leadership and performance was inevitable.
The selectors have clearly decided to back youth with experience. Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant, both under 30, now form the new backbone of Indian Test batting.
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Gill’s calmness and fluency will be key in anchoring innings.
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Pant’s explosiveness and grit bring a game-changing edge.
Together, they represent a modern, fearless India, ready to take on challenges both at home and abroad.
Pant’s Stability at No. 5
Despite speculation about a reshuffle, Pant will retain the No. 5 spot, where he has batted consistently throughout the 2024–25 Test season. This position has allowed him to:
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Walk in during pressure situations and counterattack.
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Build partnerships with both the top and lower-middle order.
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Provide balance between aggression and stability.
His success at this slot is one of the reasons India’s middle order has remained steady during recent tours. The team management seems intent on maintaining that rhythm rather than experimenting too much ahead of a crucial series.
Karun Nair and the Bench Strength
In the background, Karun Nair continues to be a subject of debate. Once a triple-centurion in Tests, Nair has been in and out of the team. While his domestic form remains strong, breaking into a settled middle order is always tough.
The fact that there was buzz around Nair taking the No. 5 spot — or at least a position in the XI — speaks volumes about India’s bench strength. But for now, Pant’s form and seniority have kept him ahead in the pecking order.
Still, Nair’s presence in the squad acts as a healthy motivator, ensuring no one gets too comfortable.
The Bigger Picture: Building a New Core
What we’re witnessing isn’t just a temporary shuffle — it’s the rebuilding of Indian Test cricket’s foundation. Much like Australia had to reset after the retirements of Steve Waugh and Ricky Ponting, or England after Alastair Cook, India now finds itself in a transitional phase.
But unlike some teams, India is going through this transition with a solid pipeline of talent:
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Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sarfaraz Khan, and Tilak Varma are waiting in the wings.
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Bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj bring continuity in the pace attack.
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Spin options remain deep and experienced with Ashwin, Jadeja, and Axar.
And at the heart of this rebuild are Gill and Pant — not just run-scorers, but leaders of a new mindset.
Gill’s Strengths as a No. 4 Batter
So what makes Shubman Gill suited to this pivotal position? Several factors:
1. Technique
Gill has a compact, classical style that suits the demands of Test cricket. His balance, footwork, and ability to leave balls outside off-stump make him dependable against both spin and pace.
2. Temperament
Even when under pressure, Gill rarely looks rattled. This cool-headedness is vital at No. 4, where the batter often walks in at high-stress moments — after a quick loss or during a collapse.
3. Adaptability
He has scored in Australia, England, and the West Indies, showing he can adjust to varying conditions. No. 4 requires exactly this kind of global mindset.
4. Leadership Intelligence
As captain, Gill will have a deeper understanding of match situations, field placements, and pitch behavior — insights that will help him make better batting decisions.
The England Challenge: A True Test of the New Order
Facing England at home or abroad is never easy. Their recent aggressive Test style, dubbed "Bazball" under coach Brendon McCullum and captain Ben Stokes, brings a fearless energy to the game.
India’s young leadership will be tested:
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England’s pacers, especially under overcast conditions in Leeds, will aim to exploit any weakness in Gill’s early innings.
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The new Indian middle order will need to stand strong against high-quality swing and seam bowling.
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Pant’s ability to shift momentum will be crucial — both with the bat and behind the stumps.
This series won’t just test technique; it will test mental strength, team chemistry, and leadership maturity.
Fans React: Optimism and Curiosity
On social media and in cricket circles, the response to Gill’s elevation has been largely positive. Many fans see this as a natural and exciting transition. Others are curious: Can Gill handle the pressure? Will he inspire the team the way Kohli did?
Rishabh Pant’s assured comments have helped calm speculation, while also giving fans a clear sense of the team’s direction. The message is clear: India is backing its young stars to lead — and lead boldly.
Looking Ahead: A Decade of Promise
If this series marks the beginning of the Gill-Pant era, then fans can look forward to a fascinating decade. The duo brings:
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A blend of discipline and aggression.
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Leadership with innovation.
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A willingness to learn and grow.
More than just filling shoes, they’re shaping new footprints — ones that could carry Indian cricket to even greater heights.
Conclusion: A Future in Safe Hands
Cricket, like life, is full of transitions. The departure of legends like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma from Test cricket is certainly emotional for fans. But transitions are also opportunities — a chance to reimagine, rebuild, and rise again.
Shubman Gill at No. 4, and as captain, is the centerpiece of that vision. Supported by Rishabh Pant at No. 5, the Indian team now embarks on a new journey — one driven by youth, passion, and the hunger to create history.
As the first Test at Headingley approaches, all eyes will be on the new skipper. It’s not just about runs or results — it’s about carrying forward a legacy, while also beginning a new one.
The stage is set. The batons have been passed. And Indian cricket’s future, it seems, is in very capable hands.
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