Daijiworld Media Network- Mumbai
Mumbai, May 24: In a major leadership transition for Indian cricket, the BCCI has appointed stylish young batter Shubman Gill as the new captain of the Indian Test team, following Rohit Sharma’s retirement from the longest format. Star wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant has been named vice-captain of the 18-member squad, ahead of Jasprit Bumrah, as India gears up for a crucial five-Test series in England starting June 20.
The announcement was made at the BCCI headquarters in Mumbai by Ajit Agarkar, Chairman of the selection committee. Addressing the media, Agarkar expressed confidence in Gill’s leadership potential. "You don’t pick captains for one or two tours," Agarkar noted. "Shubman has shown maturity and growth over the past year. He may need to learn on the job, but we’re backing him for the long term.”
The 24-year-old Gill, who made his Test debut during the memorable 2020-21 Australia tour, has so far featured in 32 Tests, scoring 1893 runs at an average of 35.05. Notably, while his home average stands at 42.03, his away numbers have been a point of concern at 27.53 — a statistic that adds intrigue to his leadership debut in challenging English conditions.
Gill’s appointment marks a generational shift, especially with veterans Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli not part of the setup for the new ICC World Test Championship (WTC) cycle (2025-27). He has not led India in Tests or ODIs before but captained the side in five T20Is during the tour of Zimbabwe in 2024.
Jasprit Bumrah, who led the team in Rohit’s absence during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, was not considered for the leadership role this time due to workload management. “Bumrah is a key asset. We would rather have him focus on his bowling than carry the extra burden of captaincy,” Agarkar explained.
On Pant’s elevation to vice-captaincy, Agarkar said, “He’s been one of our most consistent Test batters in recent years. His experience and fearless cricket will complement Gill’s style. Together, they represent the future.”
India’s campaign in the new WTC cycle begins with a rigorous five-match Test series against England. The fixtures are as follows:
• 1st Test: Headingley (June 20)
• 2nd Test: Edgbaston (July 2)
• 3rd Test: Lord’s (July 10)
• 4th Test: Old Trafford (July 23)
• 5th Test: The Oval (July 31)
The tour kicks off with a four-day warm-up match between India A and India’s main squad at Beckenham from June 13 to 16.