Shubman Gill-Gautam Gambhir involved in a fight for these 2 players in England

Team India, led by Shubman Gill, is currently preparing for the upcoming five-match Test series against England, which is scheduled to begin on Friday, June 20 in Leeds. Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul are likely to open the innings for India, but the crucial No. 3 spot in the batting lineup remains undecided.

Shubman Gill has been named the new captain of the Indian Test team following Rohit Sharma’s retirement from the format. Rishabh Pant will serve as the vice-captain. Jasprit Bumrah had led India in a few Tests during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia but was not considered due to his workload.

Shubman Gill’s Teammate or Gautam Gambhir’s Backed Pick for No.3?

India’s No.3 spot for the series in England remains undecided. Abhimanyu Easwaran and Sai Sudharsan are the two leading contenders. Easwaran, a veteran of the domestic circuit and current India A captain, has been waiting for his Test debut and reportedly has coach Gautam Gambhir’s support.

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On the other hand, Sai Sudharsan is in stellar form after a standout IPL season and growing success in red-ball cricket. With newly appointed Test captain Shubman Gill expected to bat at No.4, it remains to be seen whether he’ll back his IPL teammate Sudharsan to take the pivotal No.3 role.

Abhimanyu Easwaran, Sai Sudharsan Front-Runners for No.3 Slot

India have experimented with five different specialist batters in Tests since 2022. However, none have matched the consistent run tally that Abhimanyu Easwaran has achieved in domestic cricket over the past eight seasons.

The Bengal batter has scored 7,841 runs in 103 first-class matches at an average of 48.70, including 27 centuries and 31 half-centuries. He was also part of India A’s two unofficial Test matches in England, where he scored 167 runs in four innings at an average of 41.75, with a top score of 80.

Sai Sudharsan is also awaiting his Test debut. He has scored 1,957 runs in 29 first-class matches at an average of 39.93. The southpaw enjoyed a stellar IPL 2025 campaign, scoring 759 runs for Gujarat Titans and clinching the Orange Cap. Gujarat’s season ended in the Eliminator against Mumbai Indians.

Shubman Gill Expected to Bat at No.4 Position in Tests

This selection isn't just about filling a spot - it will also reveal how much influence Shubman Gill and Gautam Gambhir hold in the team’s transition. Abhimanyu Easwaran and Sai Sudharsan are the top contenders for the No.3 role.

Karun Nair could emerge as a middle-order option, especially if the team opts for a three-pacer setup. Ravindra Jadeja and Nitish Reddy are likely to retain their places, while Jasprit Bumrah, Prasidh Krishna, and Mohammad Siraj are expected to form the bowling attack.

India are also facing a selection dilemma at No.4. Shubman Gill is expected to bat in that position, despite never having played there in Tests. His overseas form remains a concern, with an average of just 29.50 from 24 innings.

Also read: Asia Cup 2025- Pakistan rejigs their international schedule