Shubman Gill appointed India’s new Test captain

Shubman Gill has been named as India's new Test captain, replacing Rohit Sharma who recently retired from the format. The announcement was made by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on 24 May while unveiling the squad for the upcoming five-Test series in England, beginning in June. Wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant has been appointed as vice-captain.

Gill's promotion marks the beginning of a new chapter for Indian Test cricket, coming shortly after the exits of three modern-day stalwarts—Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravichandran Ashwin—from the red-ball arena. Rohit had been leading India since February 2022.

At 25 years and 258 days, Gill becomes the fifth-youngest Test captain in Indian cricket history, behind Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi (21 years, 77 days), Sachin Tendulkar (23 years, 169 days), Kapil Dev (24 years, 48 days), and Ravi Shastri (25 years, 229 days).

Though Gill has captained in just five first-class matches—only once in the Ranji Trophy—he impressed with his leadership of the Gujarat Titans in the IPL, taking the franchise to the playoffs in his second season at the helm.

India's squad for the England tour features several fresh faces and returning players. Notable inclusions are Karun Nair, Shardul Thakur and Sai Sudharsan, while senior pacer Mohammed Shami has been left out.

India squad for England Tests: Shubman Gill (captain), Rishabh Pant (vice-captain & wicketkeeper), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Karun Nair, Nitish Reddy, Ravindra Jadeja, Dhruv Jurel (wk), Washington Sundar, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Akash Deep, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav.

Speaking on the decision, head coach Ajit Agarkar said, "We obviously discussed every option that's there. Over the last year or so, we have looked at Shubman at various times, even when we played England last year. We are hopeful we have picked the right guy. He's a terrific player and best wishes to him."