Following Virat Kohli’s retirement from Test cricket, former India head coach Ravi Shastri has endorsed Shubman Gill as the ideal candidate to fill the No. 4 batting position in the upcoming Test series against England. Kohli’s departure has left a significant void, a position he held for over a decade, becoming a cornerstone of the Indian batting lineup.
The No. 4 spot has been a subject of much discussion among cricket analysts and fans. While Karun Nair, recently recalled to the Test team after eight years, is also considered a possible replacement, Shastri believes Gill is best suited for this high-pressure role, combining his captaincy with his batting prowess in the middle order.
Shastri also revealed his preferred opening combination for the first Test, supporting KL Rahul to partner with Yashasvi Jaiswal. Rahul’s experience in English conditions and his recent performances make him a strong contender. With Gill moving down the order, the No. 3 position, previously occupied by him, is now open.
For the middle order, Shastri has picked B. Sudharsan. The 23-year-old has been in excellent form, showcasing his talent by becoming the youngest batter to score over 700 runs in a single IPL season. He continued his impressive form in first-class cricket as well. Shastri views the England series as a crucial opportunity for Sudharsan to establish himself in the red-ball team.
Shastri also mentioned Karun Nair for the middle order. Nair has worked hard to earn his place back in the side and has scored an incredible number of runs in first-class cricket. He also picked Rishabh Pant. Gill’s shift to No. 4, according to Shastri, reflects his leadership development and batting maturity, making him capable of filling the position left by Kohli.
The first Test of the five-match series is set to begin on June 20, marking a new chapter in Indian cricket. With Shubman Gill captaining the team in the longest format and potentially succeeding Kohli in the No. 4 position, the focus will be on how this young team handles the challenge.