A New Chapter: Shubman Gill to Lead India in England Test Series

In a major shift in Indian cricket’s leadership landscape, Shubman Gill has been appointed the new captain of the Indian Test team. The announcement came from Ajit Agarkar, chairman of selectors, during the unveiling of the 18-member squad for the upcoming five-match Test series in England, set to begin on June 20 at Headingley, Leeds.

Rishabh Pant, returning after a lengthy injury layoff, has been named vice-captain, marking his return to a leadership role.

Agarkar clarified that fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah, who had previously captained India in the format, was not considered for the captaincy this time due to anticipated workload management issues. “It’s unlikely he’ll play all five Tests,” said Agarkar.

A New Era Begins
Gill’s elevation follows the retirement of three modern stalwarts — Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravichandran Ashwin — who have all stepped away from the longest format since India’s last Test series. Rohit had been leading the team since February 2022.

At 25 years and 258 days, Gill becomes India’s fifth-youngest Test captain, trailing only Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi, Sachin Tendulkar, Kapil Dev, and Ravi Shastri. Despite his limited leadership experience in red-ball cricket — he has led in only five first-class matches — his success with Gujarat Titans in the Indian Premier League has instilled confidence in the selectors.

“We’ve been monitoring him closely,” said Agarkar. “While it’s true his captaincy experience in the format is limited, his composure and growth as a leader — especially in the IPL — made a strong case.”

Squad Highlights
The squad includes two debutants: Sai Sudharsan, rewarded for a strong domestic run, and left-arm seamer Arshdeep Singh, who has been a regular in white-ball cricket but now finds himself in the Test fold.

Karun Nair, who last featured in 2017, returns after a prolific domestic season, while Shardul Thakur also makes a comeback, expected to provide all-round depth in seam-friendly English conditions. Mohammed Shami, meanwhile, has been ruled out after a fitness setback, with the medical team deeming him unready for the rigours of Test cricket.

India’s pace attack will be led by Bumrah and Siraj, supported by Prasidh Krishna, Akash Deep, and the uncapped Arshdeep. Kuldeep Yadav returns as the sole frontline spinner.

Batting Line-Up Taking Shape
Though Gill’s batting position remains unconfirmed, Agarkar hinted at flexibility. With KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal likely to open, and with Sudharsan and Nair providing options for the middle order, the team has room to adapt.

Abhimanyu Easwaran has been named as a reserve opener, while Devdutt Padikkal, who played the Perth Test earlier this year, has been sidelined due to injury.

All-rounders Nitish Reddy, Ravindra Jadeja, and Washington Sundar will be key to balancing the side, especially on seaming pitches. Dhruv Jurel joins as the second wicketkeeper.

The series will span five iconic English venues: Headingley (Leeds), Edgbaston, Lord’s, Old Trafford, and The Oval.