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In a historic shift for Indian cricket, Shubman Gill has officially been named the new Test captain of the Indian National Cricket Team, following the retirement of Rohit Sharma. The team for the upcoming five-Test series against England, which begins on June 20, was revealed by chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar at the BCCI headquarters in Mumbai.
At just 25 years old, Shubman Gill's elevation to Test captaincy marks a significant transition for India. Despite Gill is young, Gill has already shown promise as a leader by leading India in five Twenty20 Internationals during the 2024 tour of Zimbabwe. While this will be his first experience leading in the longer format, the selectors have backed his temperament and skill to guide India into a new era post-Rohit and Kohli.
Agarkar emphasized the long-term vision behind Gill's appointment. "You don't pick captains for one or two tours," he said. "We are investing in a player who we believe will grow into the role and carry Indian cricket forward."
Rishabh Pant, returning to the side after his successful IPL comeback, has been named vice-captain. His aggressive mindset and match-winning abilities make him an ideal deputy. Jasprit Bumrah, who had previously served as vice-captain, was not considered for the captaincy due to concerns over workload management.
"Bumrah's fitness is crucial. He might not be available for all five Tests. We'd rather have him fully focused on his bowling than burdened with captaincy," Agarkar explained.
Gill's first task is a daunting one: leading an Indian team without the experienced Rohit and Kohli in English conditions. India's last full tour of England in 2021 ended with a postponed fifth Test, which Gill missed. The upcoming series will not only be his captaincy debut in Tests but also his first full-length tour of England in the whites.
India will play five Tests across iconic venues – Headingley, Edgbaston, Lord's, Old Trafford, and The Oval – forming the opening leg of their 2025-27 World Test Championship (WTC) campaign.
While former players like Virender Sehwag and Manoj Tiwary suggested Gill was not the first choice, Agarkar asserted that the decision was well thought-out. "We've seen real progress in Gill over the past two years. It's a tough job, but we're confident he has what it takes."
As India prepares for this new chapter, all eyes will be on Shubman Gill to lead the side with composure, vision, and performance.
