In a bold move signaling the start of a new era in Indian Test cricket, 25-year-old Shubman Gill has been named the national team’s captain for the upcoming five-Test series in England. The announcement was made following a key selection meeting held at the BCCI headquarters in Mumbai on Saturday, May 24.

The leadership baton passes from Rohit Sharma, who retired from Test cricket earlier in May, to Gill making him one of the youngest Test captains in India’s history. Rishabh Pant, back from a lengthy injury layoff, has been appointed vice-captain and will also serve as the team’s primary wicketkeeper.

Bumrah, Pant, Rahul Overlooked for Top Job

Gill was preferred over other contenders including Jasprit Bumrah, Rishabh Pant, and KL Rahul. While Bumrah had previously led India in Tests and earned acclaim, ongoing fitness concerns meant he was not considered a long-term option. Pant, despite being a proven performer overseas, was seen as better suited to a supporting leadership role. KL Rahul, another experienced name, also missed out.

The selectors led by Ajit Agarkar emphasised the need to invest in long-term leadership. “This decision is made keeping the future in mind. Gill’s development over the last couple of years shows promise. While he may need to learn on the job, we have faith in his potential,” Agarkar said.

Youth at the Core: New Faces in the Squad

Alongside Gill’s elevation, the squad reflects a clear generational shift. The likes of Sai Sudharsan and Abhimanyu Easwaran have received maiden Test call-ups. Easwaran, who has long been part of the India A setup, may finally make his debut after years of consistent domestic performances. Sudharsan’s strong domestic season also earned him a spot.

Karun Nair, Nitish Reddy, and wicketkeeper Dhruv Jurel add further youth to the side, while experienced names like Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, and Kuldeep Yadav offer balance. Mohammed Shami was a notable omission, with fitness issues ruling him out of contention for the grueling English summer.

Gill’s Overseas Test Record Raises Questions

Despite a solid overall record of 1,893 runs from 32 Tests, Gill’s performances outside Asia have been underwhelming. He has scored just 559 runs in 13 matches across SENA countries and the West Indies, averaging 25 with only two fifties. Since his iconic 91 at the Gabba in 2021, Gill has struggled to replicate that success away from home.

Still, selectors are banking on his temperament and leadership potential. Gill has led in limited-overs formats, including captaining India in a T20I series against Zimbabwe in 2024 and leading Gujarat Titans in the IPL. He has also served as vice-captain in India’s victorious 2025 Champions Trophy campaign.

End of an Era: Rohit and Kohli Step Aside

The announcement also underscores a broader transition in Indian cricket. Rohit Sharma’s retirement from red-ball cricket and Virat Kohli stepping away from the format have created a leadership vacuum. With Gill now installed as Test captain, India will be hoping for a seamless rebuild.

India now has three separate captains across formats Shubman Gill for Tests, Suryakumar Yadav in T20Is, and Rohit Sharma continuing in ODIs. This marks a historic first in Indian cricket’s leadership structure.

India Squad for England Test Series:

• Shubman Gill (Captain)

• Rishabh Pant (Vice-Captain & Wicketkeeper)

• Yashasvi Jaiswal

• KL Rahul

• Sai Sudharsan

• Abhimanyu Easwaran

• Karun Nair

• Nitish Kumar Reddy

• Ravindra Jadeja

• Dhruv Jurel (wk)

• Washington Sundar

• Shardul Thakur

• Jasprit Bumrah

• Mohammed Siraj

• Prasidh Krishna

• Akash Deep

• Arshdeep Singh

• Kuldeep Yadav