By Krishna Dua 
🏏 Rishabh Pant Reveals India’s No. 3 Situation Ahead of England Test
On the eve of the much-anticipated India vs England Test series, India’s vice-captain Rishabh Pant stepped out with clear communication about the team’s top-order plans. With a crucial batting position still under consideration, Pant announced that Shubman Gill will bat at No. 4, while he himself will take the No. 5 spot. However, the all-important No. 3 position remains undecided, showcasing both the depth and strategic flexibility of the Indian team.
🔍 Pant’s Announcement: Clear Roles, Open Slot at No. 3
During a leadership press briefing, Pant was firm:
“There is still discussion going on as to who’s going to play at 3. But definitely 4 and 5 are fixed,”
where he confirmed that Gill at No. 4 and Pant at No. 5 were locked in for the series opener at Headingley
This marks a departure from previous campaigns where batting roles were adjusted mid-series. With these two key spots decided, attention turns to the remaining No. 3 slot, a pivotal position in Test cricket.
✅ Why Gill at No. 4 and Pant at No. 5?
With the retirement of mega-stars Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, India needed stability in those spots. Shubman Gill, recently appointed Test captain, brings consistent red-ball performances and promises reliability under pressure .
Pant, recognized for his grit and match-changing ability, secured No. 5. His aggressive yet responsible approach aligns with India’s aim to maintain momentum mid-innings .
🤔 Who Could Fill No. 3?
Now the spotlight falls on contenders for the critical No. 3 spot. Experts and fans believe the front-runners are:
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Sai Sudharsan – known for his calm temperament and big-score potential in red-ball cricket.
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Karun Nair – who returns to the Test squad after stellar form, including a rare triple century earlier in his career
The decision will revolve around balancing traditional technique with England’s swing-friendly conditions at Headingley.
🧩 Probable India XI for 1st Test
Considering Pant’s confirmation and team balance, India’s likely playing XI is shaping up as:
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Yashasvi Jaiswal
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KL Rahul
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(TBD: Sudharsan or Nair)
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Shubman Gill (c)
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Rishabh Pant (vc & wk)
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Ravindra Jadeja
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Washington Sundar / Shardul Thakur
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Jasprit Bumrah
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Mohammed Siraj
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Harshit Rana (newcomer)
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Prasidh Krishna
This lineup promises a robust mix: youthful energy, spin depth, pace, and batting versatility.
⚖️ Strategic Significance in England
The England series doubles as a World Test Championship clash, making every match matter. At Headingley, seamers dominate early sessions, so a stable top order is crucial.
By securing Gil and Pant in the lineup, India gains strategic clarity. The still-available No. 3 slot allows the team to choose based on pitch dynamics and player readiness—whether steady Sudharsan or seasoned Nair.
📣 Reactions & Fan Buzz
Pant’s statements sparked conversation across social media. Hashtags such as #PantNo3Reveal, #IndiaVsEngland, and #GillPantEra trended. Former player Aakash Chopra weighed in:
“Pant’s clarity is a positive move—defined roles matter in tough overseas Tests.”
Former captain Ravi Shastri praised Pant’s composed leadership style, calling the move “strategic transparency at its best.”
Fans responded with excitement: one user wrote, “Gill at 4 and Pant at 5 gives India a solid batting spine. No. 3 will be chosen wisely.”
🧠 Legacy, Leadership & Lessons
Pant’s decision echoes India’s new direction under youth leadership. By remotely locking in batting roles, the team shows confidence despite missing iconic figures like Kohli and Rohit. This approach signals that performance and preparation take precedence over star power.
England skipper Ben Stokes recently noted India’s “fresh, fearless lineup” at a press conference — a nod to this precise, balanced selection.
📅 Looking Ahead
With roles clarified, India’s squad now shifts focus to execution. The 1st Test, starting June 20 at Headingley, offers the first glimpse of this top-order strategy. Questions remain around the No. 3 pick, but once finalized, it could define India’s Test identity.
Day 1 will tell if Sudharsan, Nair—or another selection—can solidify this crucial position. For now, India enters the pitch with a clear template and confident intent.
🔚 Final Word
Rishabh Pant’s confirmation—Gill at No. 4 and Pant at No. 5, with No. 3 still open—demonstrates India’s strategic acumen ahead of England’s red-ball challenge. Amid retirements and transitions, this clarity in batting roles offers stability in a series where discipline and clarity often decide the outcome. Keep an eye on the No. 3 slot—it’s more than just a position, it’s the keystone of India’s revived red-ball setup.