ENG vs IND: Captain Gill reveals why he will bat at Kohli's no. 4 position

Speaking on the team's batting order in the wake of Virat Kohli's retirement in the pre-match press conference, Gill said the No. 3 position remains undecided.

Newly appointed Indian Test captain Shubman Gill spoke with clarity and conviction in the pre match press conference ahead of the first Test against England at Headingley, outlining his leadership vision and strategic intent for the high-stakes five-match series starting on Friday.  Check India vs England Playing 11 live updates for the first Test here    Gill likely to bat at Kohli's No. 4 spot

 

Speaking on the team’s batting order in the wake of Virat Kohli’s retirement, Gill said the No. 3 position remains undecided. “Will see the pitch once more and decide the No. 3. After Virat bhai retired, GG (Gautam Gambhir) and I had a chat and we decided I will go at 4,” he revealed, confirming a key middle-order adjustment. 

 

 

Gill speaks on bowling combinations against England  On bowling combinations, Gill emphasized India’s intent to win Tests through aggressive, result-oriented cricket. “You can’t win a Test match without picking up 20 wickets, and for that, if we have to go with pure bowlers, we are fine with it,” he said, highlighting the team’s willingness to make bold decisions.

 

Gill also stressed the importance of dressing room culture and his partnership with vice-captain Rishabh Pant: “Rishabh and I have played a lot of cricket together, our mindsets are similar. We want to create a secured dressing room. People perform better when they feel secured and heard.”   

Winning in SENA more rewarding Than IPL 

For Shubman Gill, a Test series win in countries like England, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa ranks far above lifting the IPL trophy. Speaking on the eve of the first Test against England, the 25-year-old Indian skipper didn’t hesitate when asked to choose between the two achievements. “Definitely the Test series, in my opinion,” he said, adding that a captain may only get two or three opportunities in their entire career to tour these countries—unlike the IPL, which returns every year.

 

No baggage, only belief

  Gill leads a young Indian squad into the five-match series without stalwarts Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and R Ashwin. While the lack of red-ball experience in English conditions has raised concerns, the captain sees it as a hidden advantage. “There are positives—we don’t really have any baggage coming to England,” he noted. According to Gill, the absence of past setbacks could allow his team to play with more freedom and confidence.

 

A legacy to uphold, a blueprint to follow

  Reflecting on the recent evolution of Indian Test cricket, Gill spoke of a “blueprint” laid out by the seniors over the past decade. “We can go and win anywhere,” he said, adding that the current team would approach the England series with that same belief and intent. 

 

Safe environment key to long-term success 

One of Gill’s early focus areas as captain is to create a secure and honest dressing-room environment. He stressed that open communication and clarity in roles are essential to bringing out the best in players. “If we succeed in creating that environment, our Test series and WTC cycle will be very successful,” he said.

 

Backing potential with long ropes

  Gill made it clear that some players will be backed for the long haul based on their raw potential. However, he also underlined the importance of transparency in leadership. “It’s about giving them clear communication and having honest conversations—that’s how I feel the bond of a leader and a player is at its best,” he said.

 

Insights from Kohli and Rohit helped set the tone

  To prepare for the England challenge, Gill sought advice from two of India’s finest red-ball players. “I met both of them in the IPL and they told me about their experiences, especially here in England,” he said. Their insights, he added, would help the team tackle the expected challenges.

 

Dry summer delays final XI call 

Unusually dry conditions in England this year have delayed the Indian camp’s decision on the playing XI. “This summer has been a little bit different… I was just waiting to see the wicket one last time,” Gill explained, highlighting the team’s wait-and-watch approach to finalise combinations.