Shubman Gill's Shift to No. 4 Sparks Debate on India's No. 3 Batting Position

Shubman Gill's recent confirmation of his move to the No. 4 batting position has sparked discussions about who will take over the crucial No. 3 spot in India's cricket lineup. Former cricketer Aakash Chopra has put forward B Sai Sudharsan as a leading candidate, citing his strong domestic performances. Karun Nair is also in the mix, although Chopra believes he may be better suited for the No. 6 position. Additionally, the potential for Ravindra Jadeja to take the No. 7 spot and Shardul Thakur's edge over Nitish Kumar Reddy for the all-rounder role adds further intrigue to the team's composition.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 20, 2025, 14:28 IST

Shubman Gill's New Role and Potential Candidates for No. 3

With Shubman Gill, aged 25, confirming his transition to the No. 4 batting position, discussions have emerged regarding who will fill the pivotal No. 3 spot. Aakash Chopra, a former Indian cricketer and commentator, has suggested that B Sai Sudharsan is a strong candidate for this role. Chopra highlighted Sudharsan's impressive track record in domestic cricket and his current form as significant factors in his favor.

Chopra also mentioned Karun Nair as another possible option, noting that Nair has been frequently positioned at the top during recent practice sessions. However, he speculated that Nair might ultimately be better suited for the No. 6 position.

Looking further down the batting order, Chopra anticipates that Ravindra Jadeja will likely occupy the No. 7 slot. Regarding the all-rounder position, he believes Shardul Thakur currently holds an advantage over the younger Nitish Kumar Reddy.

Chopra remarked, "Karun Nair has often been among the top four batters during warm-ups, so there’s a case for him at No. 3. But personally, I think No. 6 suits him better. As for the all-rounder spot, Shardul Thakur seems to be the frontrunner. Nitish Kumar Reddy could play as well, but it looks like only one of them will make the cut."