Tue May 27 18:30:00 UTC 2025: **News Article: India’s Batting Order Unsettled as Gill Faces Decision on No. 4 Spot for England Tests**

**Leeds, England** – The Indian cricket team faces a strategic dilemma ahead of the five-Test series against England: who will fill the crucial No. 4 batting position? With the legacy of Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli casting a long shadow over the slot, newly appointed captain Shubman Gill finds himself at the center of the debate.

Chief selector Ajit Agarkar announced the 18-member squad on Saturday, but deferred the decision on the batting order to Gill and head coach Gautam Gambhir. The No. 4 position, once dominated by legends, is now a question mark.

Speculation suggests Gill, currently an opener, might drop down to No. 4, potentially opening the door for B. Sai Sudharsan or Abhimanyu Easwaran at No. 3. This move would leverage Gill’s past experience in the middle order, allowing him to anchor the innings and combat late movement.

Former No. 3 Cheteshwar Pujara weighed in, suggesting Easwaran or comeback player Karun Nair could fill the No. 3 role if Gill moves down. However, Pujara also floated the idea of Gill staying at No. 3, with Nair taking No. 4, a position more suited to his domestic cricket experience.

Ultimately, the decision rests with Gill. His preference will shape the batting lineup. Agarkar cautioned that this is a young team with a young captain, emphasizing patience as the team finds its core group for the future. The intra-squad game is likely to provide crucial insights, but the true test begins in Leeds on June 20th.

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