In the rich history of Indian Test cricket, the no.4 batsman in Test for India has often been the side’s backbone, a dependable figure who holds the innings together and steers the team through pressure situations. Traditionally, Shubman Gill has played at No. 3, occasionally stepping up as an opener. But in the current Test against England, Gill has been slotted in at No. 4, filling in for Virat Kohli, who’s been India’s automatic choice at that spot for over a decade. The spotlight is firmly on the young star as he embraces a new challenge.

ENG vs IND 1st Test：Captain Gill’s Performance on Day 1

Shubman Gill didn’t disappoint. He delivered a captain’s knock in his very first outing as India’s Test skipper, scoring a majestic 147 at Headingley, Leeds. This marked his maiden Test hundred as captain, a vital contribution in India’s effort to stamp authority early in the five-match series. Gill looked well on course for a double century but fell attempting an aggressive slog-flick off Shoaib Bashir. With mid-wicket unmanned, he tried to clear the deep only to mistime the shot and hand a catch to Josh Tongue at deep square leg. Still, it was a statement innings from a young Indian batsman at no.4, trying to fill very big shoes.

Related Match：ENG vs IND 2025 1st Test of the India tour of England series on 06/20 at 03:30 PM IST

Milestone Unlocked 🔓

2⃣0⃣0⃣0⃣ Test runs and counting for Captain Shubman Gill 👏👏

Scorecard ▶️ https://t.co/CuzAEnBkyu#TeamIndia | #ENGvIND | @ShubmanGill pic.twitter.com/BOke0Mghyu

— BCCI (@BCCI) June 20, 2025

The Unique Role of a No.4 Batsman in Test Cricket

The no.4 batsman in Test for India occupies a critical place in the batting lineup. He is the stabiliser-in-chief, not as exposed as openers to the swinging new ball but not as shielded as lower-middle order batters either. He must be ready to face the music early if quick wickets fall or to build patiently when the openers lay a solid foundation. More often than not, the tone and tempo of the innings rest heavily on the shoulders of the Indian batsman at no.4.

Technically sound, mentally strong, and capable of both defence and counter-attack, these are must-have traits for anyone stepping into the No. 4 role. It demands adaptability and consistency, often under pressure. With Kohli stepping aside temporarily, this position now falls to Gill, whose elegant stroke play and calm temperament make him an intriguing choice. However, replacing Virat Kohli, one of the most successful players at this position, is no small task.

A Glorious Legacy：India’s No.4 Stalwarts in Tests

The genealogy of India’s no.4 Test batsman is a hall of fame. Sachin Tendulkar, the all-time leading run-scorer in Tests, constructed his legend from exactly this position. Over 13,000 runs at No. 4 alone, Tendulkar was the benchmark for any Indian batsman playing at no.4. His centuries in challenging overseas conditions, like Sydney (2004) or Chennai (2008), were masterclasses in handling pressure and controlling the game.

After Tendulkar, Virat Kohli took over the mantle and owned the role with equal flair. With a Test average of over 50 at No. 4, Kohli’s memorable innings, the 141 at Adelaide in 2014, or the unbeaten 254 in Pune, cemented his status as a modern great. His passion, intensity, and ability to dominate bowlers made him the perfect no.4 batsman in Test for India in the post-Tendulkar era. Kohli’s success added further weight to the responsibilities of whoever would take over next, now, Shubman Gill.

List of No.4 batsman in Test for India

Others, such as Rahul Dravid, who generally batted at No. 3, sometimes shifted to No. 4 if the team balance needed it. VVS Laxman, who was generally at No. 5, played crucial knocks at 4. But in the last 25 years, the position has been generally characterised by the Tendulkar and Kohli giants of Indian cricket.

Is Shubman Gill the Right Fit at No. 4？

So, does Shubman Gill have what it takes to succeed as the no.4 batsman in Test for India? The early signs, especially that 147 at Headingley, are promising. His technique is tight, his strokeplay elegant, and he’s already shown a knack for playing long innings. As a young Indian batsman at no.4, he brings freshness and flexibility, which is essential in modern Test cricket. His ability to switch gears depending on the match situation could make him a worthy successor to Virat Kohli.

First Test century as India 𝓬𝓪𝓹𝓽𝓪𝓲𝓷 for Shubman Gill 💯#ENGvIND 📝: https://t.co/FXxW1HkGLm pic.twitter.com/dkaDdWvsmH

— ICC (@ICC) June 20, 2025

That said, there are caveats. Gill is still finding his feet in the longer format and doesn’t yet have a consistent track record across conditions. While the Leeds century was brilliant, the pressure will mount with every inning he plays in that slot. If he fails to convert starts or falters under the weight of expectations, selectors may consider other names.

The newest entrant of a commendable record 👏👏

Shubman Gill is now part of an elite list 💯#TeamIndia | #ENGvIND | @ShubmanGill pic.twitter.com/oZLhXFXbxm

— BCCI (@BCCI) June 20, 2025

One such name is KL Rahul, experienced, versatile, and with a decent overseas record. He has batted across the order and brings maturity. However, Rahul has struggled with form and fitness. Another contender, Shreyas Iyer, has shown promise but still has issues against short-pitched bowling a serious red flag for a long-term no.4 batsman in Test for India. For now, it’s fair to say that the new Indian captain deserves a good run. His captain’s century is a statement of intent. If he can combine the elegance of Tendulkar with the grit of Kohli, India might have found its next great Indian batsman at no.4.

HUNDRED from the Skipper! 💯

First match as Test Captain and Shubman Gill has scored a sublime century! 👏👏

His 6th Ton in Test cricket 🙌

Updates ▶️ https://t.co/CuzAEnBkyu#TeamIndia | #ENGvIND | @ShubmanGill pic.twitter.com/CVTE7wK2g0

— BCCI (@BCCI) June 20, 2025

Conclusion

The no.4 batsman in Test for India is more than just a number, it’s a legacy. From Sachin Tendulkar to Virat Kohli, this role has defined Indian batting for generations. Now, Shubman Gill stands at the crease, bat in hand, with an opportunity to add his name to the list of greats. His 147 as captain is a strong start, but the journey has just begun. Can he own this position like his predecessors? If he does, Indian cricket’s future at No. 4 will be in excellent hands.