India’s batting order after Virat Kohli’s retirement faces its biggest challenge in a decade. With Kohli leaving, the team must find a worthy No. 3 batter to fill the crucial role. As a result, India’s batting order after Kohli’s retirement is undergoing a major reshuffle. Kohli had dominated the No. 3 position for 12 years, and his absence has unsettled the team’s core structure. Therefore, the new batter must anchor the innings just as Kohli did, facing immense pressure to perform.
Shubman Gill emerges as the obvious candidate to fill this role. In the latest squad announcement, Gill officially took over the No. 3 position, previously held by Kohli. Moreover, India’s batting order is transforming significantly following Kohli’s retirement, highlighted by the decision to name Gill as the new Test captain.
Examining Shubman Gill’s strengths and weaknesses at No. 3 reveals much about his suitability. His strong technique and composed temperament make him well-suited for the longer formats of the game. However, his aggression in shorter formats remains relatively untested at the international level.
At only 25 years old, Gill now shoulders the responsibility of leading India’s Test side after Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli stepped down. According to former coach Rahul Dravid, “Gill has the technique, but building mental resilience at this level will be key.” Currently, Gill averages 45.8 at No. 3 in First-Class cricket, while Kohli’s peak average stood at 54.2.
The selectors chose Gill as captain over senior pacer Jasprit Bumrah primarily due to concerns about Bumrah’s workload, considering the physical demands of fast bowling across formats. Additionally, Rishabh Pant takes on the vice-captain role, joining Gill in leadership. Their inclusion demonstrates the selectors’ faith in young, dynamic players to lead Indian cricket into this new era.
Meanwhile, backup options like KL Rahul, Sarfaraz Khan, and Rajat Patidar remain in contention. Both Sarfaraz and Patidar have impressed in domestic cricket and are seen as strong candidates to handle the pressures of batting in challenging foreign conditions. Ultimately, while Gill leads the charge, these players provide valuable depth and experience for the middle order.
