Rishabh Pant Prepares for England Test Series with Strong Commitment

As India gears up for a five-match Test series against England, vice-captain Rishabh Pant emphasizes his commitment to contribute across all facets of the game. With Shubman Gill stepping into the number four batting position, Pant confirms his role at number five. The duo's strong camaraderie off the field is expected to enhance their performance during the series. The Indian squad is filled with talent, and both teams are set for an exciting showdown starting June 20 in Leeds. Stay tuned for more updates on this thrilling cricketing event.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 18, 2025, 21:53 IST

India Gears Up for England Test Series

As India readies itself for a thrilling five-match Test series against England, commencing on June 20 in Leeds, vice-captain Rishabh Pant has expressed his determination to excel in every aspect of the game.

During a recent press conference, Pant emphasized his mental preparedness and focus on making significant contributions.

"I feel mentally strong and ready," Pant stated. "My goal is to contribute in every area, whether it's batting, fielding, or wicketkeeping. This mindset remains unchanged as we head to England."

Rishabh Pant Confirms Batting Order

Pant has confirmed that he will maintain his position at number five, while Shubman Gill, the newly appointed Test captain, will step into the number four role previously held by Virat Kohli.

Following Kohli's retirement, there was much speculation about who would fill the crucial number four spot, a position once dominated by the legendary Sachin Tendulkar.

Recent discussions indicated that Gill was the leading candidate, and Pant has now confirmed this change just days before the series opener at Headingley.

"There are still talks about who will bat at number three, but four and five are set. Shubman will bat at four, and I will remain at five for now. We will continue to discuss the rest," Pant explained.

Shubman Gill's Transition to Number Four

Previously batting at number three, Gill has played 17 matches, scoring 1,019 runs at an average of 37.74, including three centuries and three fifties, all achieved on home soil.

In contrast, his performance in overseas conditions has been less impressive, with only 212 runs at an average of 19.27 across seven Tests. Alongside his captaincy duties, Gill now faces the challenge of upholding the legacy of the number four position, which was so effectively managed by both Virat Kohli and Sachin Tendulkar.

Pant Discusses His Relationship with Gill

With experienced players surrounding him, Pant will support Gill throughout the five-Test series. The dynamic left-hander believes their strong friendship off the field will enhance their on-field performance.

"Shubman and I share a great bond, especially outside of cricket. Good friendships translate into better teamwork on the field, which is crucial for our success. We have a unique comfort level with each other, and I believe that will be a significant advantage," Pant remarked.

India's Squad for the Series

The Indian squad includes: Shubman Gill (c), Rishabh Pant (wk), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Karun Nair, Nitish Reddy, Ravindra Jadeja, Dhruv Jurel (wk), Washington Sundar, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammad Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Akash Deep, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana.

England's Squad for the First Test Against India

The England team for the opening Test features: Shoaib Bashir, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Sam Cook, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Jamie Overton, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Jamie Smith (wk), Ben Stokes (capt), Josh Tongue, Chris Woakes.