India’s new captain, Shubman Gill, and Sai Sudharsan’s batting positions have all but been confirmed for the five-match Test series opener against England, starting on June 20 in Leeds.
India’s training camp in Beckenham has made the batting positions for the upcoming Test series clearer, reported a RevSportz journalist. Sharing a picture on X, the journalist said: “So Gill at 4 Sai at 3 looks very obvious from Day 2 here at Beckenham.”
Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan to anchor India’s middle order in England
From Day 2 of India’s practice session in Beckenham, it is now almost certain that Shubman Gill will drop to the No. 4 position, while the uncapped batting sensation Sai Sudharsan will bat at No. 3 in the first Test against England.
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In the previous Test series, Gill batted at No. 3 against Australia. Well, the young duo is expected to anchor the middle order in a new-look Indian batting lineup, with KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal set to open for India in the upcoming Test series in England.
So Gill at 4 Sai at 3 looks very obvious from Day 2 here at Beckenham pic.twitter.com/F5Ip3GmaS4
— Rohit Juglan (@rohitjuglan) June 9, 2025
Well, the Indian team has already begun training for the big five-match Test series in England. The players had their first practice session on June 8 after reaching the country. New captain Shubman Gill led from the front, taking part in tough fielding drills.
Shubman Gill set for big Test on England tour
The upcoming Test series in England will be Shubman Gill’s first assignment as India’s new red-ball captain. He takes over the role after Rohit Sharma’s retirement. Gill already has leadership experience, having led Gujarat Titans to the IPL 2025 playoffs.
However, the young skipper has a point to prove in England as a batter as well, where he has managed only 88 runs in three Tests so far. With Rishabh Pant as his vice-captain, Gill will aim to break India’s long wait for a Test series win in England.
They last won a Test series in England back in 2007. On their last tour, India had to settle for a 2-2 draw after losing the rescheduled fifth Test.
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It’s a bold move: Michael Vaughan on India’s decision to hand over Test captaincy to Shubman Gill
Meanwhile, former England captain Michael Vaughan has called India’s decision to make 25-year-old Gill the new Test captain a bold one. With no senior players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli around him, Vaughan feels Gill now has a big responsibility on his shoulders.
The Englishman believes that the young Indian captain still has a lot to prove, especially while playing in tough overseas conditions. However, Vaughan is confident that Gill has the right mindset to deal with the pressure and lead the team well in the longest format of the game.
Michael said Vaughan said on Sony Sports Network, “Well, it’s official—Shubman Gill is the new face of Indian Test cricket, stepping up as captain for the England series. It’s a bold move, trusting a young leader with a new-look team after the retirements of giants like Rohit and Kohli. Gill’s got plenty to prove, especially away from home, but he’s shown he’s got the temperament for big moments.”
