As India prepares to begin a fresh chapter in Test cricket with a five-match series against England, Shubman Gill is at the center of a major transition. With Virat Kohli retiring from the longest format in May, the responsibility of batting at the crucial No. 4 position now falls on the young shoulders of India’s new Test captain.
The confirmation came during a press conference on June 18, when vice-captain Rishabh Pant revealed that Gill would be stepping into the No. 4 role a position long dominated by Kohli.
Dinesh Karthik Weighs In
Former India wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik spoke about the upcoming challenge for Gill in a video shared on his Instagram. He emphasized the significance of Gill taking over “from the King” and urged him to channel his white-ball success into red-ball cricket.
“Shubman Gill, who is going to take over the mantle from the King. That’s a big one, but he knows. He wants to win that dressing room. If he gets going with the bat and shows the form he has shown in white-ball cricket, the world is his oyster,” Karthik said.
Karthik also highlighted the pressure on Gill, not just as a batter but also as a leader. With India’s recent struggles in overseas Test series, particularly with batting collapses, the team will be looking to Gill for both runs and resilience.
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A New Challenge at No. 4
This will be Gill’s third different batting position in his brief Test career. Having started as an opener, he was moved to No. 3, and now takes over the all-important No. 4 slot. While his domestic and white-ball credentials are impressive, his red-ball record abroad remains a concern.
In 32 Test matches, Gill has scored 1,893 runs, including six centuries. However, in SENA countries (South Africa, England, New Zealand, Australia), his form has dipped significantly. In 11 Tests abroad, he averages just 25.70, with only two fifties – both in Australia. His record in England is particularly concerning, with just 88 runs in three Tests at an average of 14.66.
In stark contrast, his ODI numbers are exceptional – 2,775 runs at an average of 59.04, with eight centuries, including a double hundred. Karthik hopes Gill can draw confidence from his ODI success and translate it into Test cricket.
Karthik Names His Playing XI
Karthik also revealed his preferred playing XI for the Headingley Test, favoring an aggressive and balanced lineup. He picked KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal as openers, backing Jaiswal as a player ready to face the rigors of a long series in England.
At No. 3, Karthik named Sai Sudharsan, praising the youngster for his form in IPL 2025 and his performances in limited international opportunities.
“Jaiswal looks like a man who is ready for a challenge like this. At No. 3, Sai Sudharsan, I feel he has done outstandingly well in white-ball cricket and in the limited opportunities he has got for India. Can he convert that form into red-ball cricket?” Karthik asked.
For the No. 8 slot, Karthik favored Shardul Thakur over Nitish Kumar Reddy, citing the senior all-rounder’s strong showing in the recent intra-squad practice game, where Thakur scored 122 runs and picked up wickets as well.
“He’s a bowling all-rounder, but his batting is going to be useful. We all know how lower-order runs are extremely important,” Karthik noted.
A Defining Series for Gill
With Kohli’s legacy looming large, Gill is stepping into a challenging but potentially career-defining role. As India begins this new era under his leadership, all eyes will be on whether he can rise to the occasion – both with the bat in hand and cap on head.
If Gill can bring his white-ball brilliance into Test cricket and stabilize the middle order, he won’t just be filling a void – he might be carving out a legacy of his own.
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