IND vs ENG 1st Test: Rishabh Pant Confirms major change in India Batting Order before Headingley Test

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In a major reshuffle of India's Test batting order, vice-captain and wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant has confirmed about new roles in the England series.

Addressing the media on Wednesday, Pant revealed that the move comes in the wake of a transitional phase following the retirement of two senior batters-Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma-in May. The No.4 position, previously held by Kohli, will now be occupied by Gill, who started his red-ball career as an opener.

IND vs ENG: Shubman, Rishabh in Middle Order for India

India captain Shubman Gill will take up the No.4 slot in the opening Test against England at Headingley, Leeds, beginning Friday, June 20.

"Shubman will be batting at No.4, and I will continue at No.5," Pant said. "The No.3 spot is still open and will be decided soon."

The strategic change marks a new chapter in India's red-ball setup as the team seeks to rebuild its top order. Gill, having initially partnered Rohit at the top, had already adjusted to the No.3 role to accommodate Yashasvi Jaiswal. His further move down the order is aimed at lending stability to the middle order.

India's Test side is in a phase of evolution. The upcoming England series is the first major overseas assignment since the departures of Kohli and Rohit, both of whom were integral to India's batting fabric over the past decade.

It is unconfirmed but Yashasvi Jaiswal is likely to open along with KL Rahul, while Karun Nair may be handed the no. 3 position. Apart from Nair, Abhimanyu Easwaran is also another contender for the spot.

Ahead of the first Test, team India has a major boost as head coach Gautam Gambhir has rejoined the side. Gambhir came back to India after his mother's health issues, but has now flown back to Leeds before the first match. The five-match Test series will be the start of a new World Test Championship cycle, in which, India need a positive start.