Former India batting coach Sanjay Bangar has backed Shubman Gill to retain the No. 3 spot in the Indian Test team for the upcoming tour of England.
Speaking on ‘Follow The Blues – India vs England Test Squad Announcement Special’ on JioHotstar, Bangar shared detailed insights on Gill’s role, team combinations, and player management ahead of the five-match series starting in June.
Bangar was clear in his recommendation: “If given a choice, Shubman should continue to bat at number 3 because if he does that, I think he sends a positive message to the entire team that 'there was a choice for me to get down to number 4 but we all know that in Test cricket, 3 is a slightly more difficult position than number 4’.”
He added that such a decision would reflect leadership by example. “So, he would make a quiet statement there that 'I am going to go under tough situations, tough circumstances, and do the job'. And if he does that, he can rally others around him as well and demand a lot more of having walked the talk,” said Bangar.
With India entering a new phase under Gill’s leadership in red-ball cricket, Bangar believes the England series could define his captaincy path. “If this group of players manages to win a Test series in England, I think that’s going to be a great start for his [Gill’s] leadership tenure. The calls that have been taken will be vindicated if the tour goes India’s way,” he said.
Bangar also sees this tour as a timely opportunity for a relatively new-look Indian side. “I’m pretty hopeful that this will be a series wherein you win a couple of Test matches, and if the other side falters, you might just end up winning the series as well,” he added.
On bowling strategy, Bangar said Jasprit Bumrah’s fitness and workload must be managed wisely. “First of all, we have to make sure Bumrah doesn’t get overburdened. That is where the team management will have a massive impact by using the bowling line-up picked around him,” he explained.
Recalling the recent Australia series, Bangar said, “Bumrah was at times overused because the team wanted him to bowl at all times, and it affected his bowling speeds. In one of the Tests, he was down to 120-129.”
He stressed the need for a well-rounded pace attack. “To help him play five Test matches, you need a stronger bowling unit operating alongside him. The more matches he plays, the higher the chances of India winning.”
Bangar also made a strong case for Karun Nair’s inclusion in the playing XI. “Karun Nair will make a comeback straight away in the team on the sheer basis of the runs he has scored,” he said. “He has to be a starter. It’s not about giving younger players a chance first and then bringing in Karun. He will have the first go.”
On the spin department, Bangar prefers Kuldeep Yadav to lead the attack in early Tests. “Kuldeep Yadav should be India’s frontline spinner for the first three Tests in England. With Ravichandran Ashwin unavailable and Mohammed Shami not in the lineup, India needs a wicket-taking bowler who can make an impact even in swing-friendly conditions.”
He explained that Ravindra Jadeja, despite his experience, may not find the early English conditions ideal. “Jadeja is usually preferred overseas for his control and ability to exploit rough patches, but England is unlikely to offer spin-friendly tracks early on. The series begins in June with matches at Headingley, Edgbaston, and Lord’s — all seam-friendly venues.”
With Gill at No. 3, Bumrah carefully managed, and a balanced XI featuring Kuldeep and Karun Nair, Bangar believes Team India has the right mix to challenge England in their own backyard.
