The highly anticipated Test series between India and England is set to commence on June 20, 2025, at Headingley, Leeds. As both teams gear up for this crucial five-match series, which marks the beginning of their 2025-2027 ICC World Test Championship journey, one of the most debated topics is who will fill the crucial No. 3 spot in the Indian batting lineup.
With the recent retirements of stalwarts Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, the Indian batting order has undergone a significant reshuffle. Shubman Gill has been appointed as the captain, shouldering the responsibility of leading the team in this new era. Rishabh Pant has been named the vice-captain. In a recent press conference, Pant confirmed that Gill will bat at No. 4, taking over Kohli's former position, while he himself will continue to bat at No. 5. This leaves the No. 3 spot open, creating an opportunity for a new face to step up and make a mark.
Several names have been thrown into the mix as potential candidates for the No. 3 position. Sai Sudharsan, Abhimanyu Easwaran, and Karun Nair are the frontrunners for the coveted spot.
Sai Sudharsan has been in excellent form, topping the IPL charts and showcasing his fearless batting approach. If selected, this series could mark his Test debut. Abhimanyu Easwaran, a consistent performer in domestic cricket, has been a part of the Test squad before but has yet to get a chance in the playing XI. He has amassed 7841 runs at an average of 48.70 in 103 first-class games. Karun Nair, who is making a comeback to the Test side after a considerable gap, recently scored an impressive double century against England Lions, proving his mettle and readiness for the challenge.
The selection of the No. 3 batter will depend on various factors, including current form, adaptability to English conditions, and the overall team balance. Former India player Sanjay Bangar believes that Easwaran should be given the first opportunity at No. 3, considering his experience traveling with the team and his recent performance in the practice match. Dinesh Karthik has also expressed his opinion, backing Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul as openers, followed by Sai Sudharsan at No. 3.
The final decision rests with the team management, who will assess the pitch conditions and the strengths of each player before making their choice. The No. 3 position is crucial in Test cricket, as it requires a batter who can handle pressure, build partnerships, and stabilize the innings. Whoever gets the nod will have a significant role to play in India's success in the series.
Meanwhile, England has already announced their playing XI for the first Test, with Ollie Pope retaining his No. 3 position ahead of Jacob Bethell. The English side boasts a strong batting lineup, including Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Joe Root, Harry Brook, and Ben Stokes. Their pace attack will be led by Chris Woakes, Brydon Carse, and Josh Tongue, with Shoaib Bashir providing the spin option.
