In a landmark decision by the BCCI, Shubman Gill has officially been named India’s 37th Test captain. The announcement was made today after a crucial selection committee meeting in Mumbai. Rishabh Pant will serve as the vice-captain for the upcoming England tour.
Shubman Gill, at just 25, becomes one of the youngest to lead India in the red-ball format. He takes over the reins from Rohit Sharma, who stepped away from Test cricket earlier this month. Gill’s appointment signals a generational shift in Indian cricket, as the team embarks on a new World Test Championship cycle.
India is set to face England in a five-match Test series starting June 20 at Headingley. Alongside familiar faces like Jasprit Bumrah and Ravindra Jadeja, the squad also sees fresh inclusions—Sai Sudharsan and Arshdeep Singh earning their maiden Test call-ups.
Chief Selector Ajit Agarkar said the decision to name Gill as captain was part of a long-term vision. While Gill lacks extensive red-ball captaincy experience, the board is backing his leadership potential—citing his growing influence in the dressing room and past roles as vice-captain in ODIs and T20Is.
Rishabh Pant’s return to vice-captaincy marks a major milestone in his comeback journey. After a horrific car accident in 2022, Pant has fought his way back into the Indian setup and will now be a key pillar in this new leadership duo.
Gill, despite his talent, has had an inconsistent run in Test cricket overseas, averaging just 25 in SENA countries and the West Indies. But the selectors believe in his ability to lead from the front as India rebuilds after failing to qualify for the last WTC final.
With legends like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma stepping aside, this marks a bold new chapter in Indian Test cricket.
