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Key Points

Shubman Gill will take Virat Kohli's No 4 spot in India's Test lineup against England. The young batter revealed Gautam Gambhir supported his move to the crucial position. Gill faces pressure to perform overseas where his record remains modest. The No 4 spot carries immense legacy after being occupied by legends Kohli and Tendulkar.

Key Points: Shubman Gill Confirms Batting at No 4 in India vs England Tests

  • Gill replaces Kohli at crucial No 4 spot
  • Gambhir backed Gill's preference for the position
  • Faces challenge to improve overseas record
  • Inherits legacy from Kohli and Tendulkar
2 min read

GG bhai wanted me to bat at no. 4, and so did I: Shubman Gill on new role in Test Series vs England

Shubman Gill reveals Gautam Gambhir backed his move to No 4 after Kohli's retirement as India prepare for England Test series

"After Virat bhai retired, me and GG bhai had a discussion, and he wanted me to bat at number 4 - Shubman Gill"

Leeds, June 19

With India gearing up for the much-anticipated Test series against England starting June 20 in Leeds, Shubman Gill has confirmed that he will bat in the crucial number four position in the batting order.

Speaking about the shift in his batting role, Gill revealed, "After Virat (Kohli) bhai retired, me and GG (Gautam Gambhir) bhai had a discussion, and he wanted me to bat at number 4. I also wanted to bat at that number."

The number 4 spot, previously occupied by Virat Kohli, has traditionally been a pivotal role in India's Test lineup. Gill's technical prowess and composure under pressure make him a strong contender to carry forward the legacy.

India will be relying on the in-form Gill to anchor the innings and provide stability against a potent English bowling attack, especially in conditions that can be challenging for subcontinental batters.

While playing at number three, Shubman featured in 17 matches and garnered 1,019 runs at 37.74, with three centuries and as many fifties, all coming on home turf.

In overseas conditions, Gill has featured in seven Tests and managed just 212 runs at 19.27. Besides captaincy, Gill will have to take the legacy of the number four spot to a new level, considering how Virat and Tendulkar made the position their own.

Earlier India vice-captain Rishabh Pant announced that he will continue to stick to the number five in the upcoming five high-stakes Tests, while newly-crowned Test captain Shubman Gill will take stalwart Virat Kohli's number four spot in the format.

After Virat bid adieu to the Test format last month, speculation were there around who would take up the mantle of bearing the responsibility of playing at number four, a spot that has been earlier held by the legendary Sachin Tendulkar.

India's squad: Shubman Gill (c), Rishabh Pant (wk), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Karun Nair, Nitish Reddy, Ravindra Jadeja, Dhruv Jurel (wk), Washington Sundar, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammad Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Akash Deep, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana

England Playing XI for the 1st Test against India: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (C), Jamie Smith (WK), Chris Woakes, Brydon Carse, Josh Tongue, Shoaib Bashir.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

Here are 6 diverse Indian perspective comments for the cricket article:
R
Rahul K.
Exciting times for Indian cricket! Gill at no.4 makes perfect sense - he has the technique and temperament to anchor the innings. Hope he can adapt quickly to English conditions though. That average of 19 overseas is concerning 😬
P
Priya M.
Big shoes to fill after Kohli and Sachin! But Gill has shown he can handle pressure. His cover drives are pure class - reminds me of Dravid ji. Hope he gets good support from other batsmen 🤞
A
Amit S.
Not sure about this move. Gill was doing well at no.3, why change? And Gambhir's influence seems too strong here. Shouldn't the team management decide positions based on data rather than personal preferences?
S
Sneha R.
The real test begins now! English conditions, Dukes ball, and that too at Headingley where ball swings a lot. But if anyone can adapt, it's Gill. His footwork against spin is excellent, needs to show same against swing 💪
V
Vikram J.
Interesting to see how the new batting order shapes up. Gill at 4, Pant at 5 - looks solid on paper. But England's bowling attack looks dangerous too. Hope our boys have practiced enough against the moving ball!
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Neha P.
So much pressure on young shoulders! But Gill has that calmness about him. Just hope media doesn't start comparing him with Kohli from day one. Let him play his natural game and grow into the role 🇮🇳

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