Shubman Gill appears set to take over as India’s Test captain, stepping into Rohit Sharma’s shoes following his retirement. India’s upcoming Test series against England, starting on 20 June at Headingley, could see Gill at the helm for the first time in the longer format.
This development comes amid concerns around Jasprit Bumrah’s availability. Although he served as vice-captain on India’s tour of Australia and led in two Tests when Rohit was absent, his recent workload and injury troubles suggest he might miss several matches in the upcoming World Test Championship cycle. As a result, the selection panel, spearheaded by Ajit Agarkar, will likely favour Gill as a captain with potential longevity and sustained leadership.
Rohit’s decision to step down lifted the curtain on captaincy discussions. While Bumrah was initially the choice due to his vice-captaincy role and leadership during the Border-Gavaskar series of 2024-25, managing his fast-bowling workload remains a focal point for team management. His back issue from the final Test in Australia, which also saw him miss parts of the IPL 2025 season, adds to these concerns.
Amongst other viable candidates, KL Rahul has previously captained in three Tests, and Virat Kohli has a significant captaincy history. Yet, Gill, currently 25, stands out, having captained India in five T20Is and serving as vice-captain in the white-ball formats. His leadership, notably during India’s T20 World Cup triumph and his tenure at Gujarat Titans (GT) in the IPL, reflects his growing readiness for a leadership role. Rahul Dravid, former Indian captain and current team mentor, remarked, “Shubman’s cricketing acumen and composure make him an excellent choice for our Test side’s future.”
Gill’s Test debut in Melbourne, December 2020, saw him score crucial runs against Australia, cementing his place in the squad. In 32 Test matches since, he has amassed 1893 runs, averaging 35.05, including five centuries and seven half-centuries.
Taking over leadership in GT post-Hardik Pandya’s departure to Mumbai Indians, Gill has shown determination and strategic prowess, contributing to GT’s turnaround this season.
While the decision isn’t yet official, Gill’s poise and promise make him a fitting successor. As India embarks on a new Test chapter, all eyes will be on Gill to guide them with both bat and captaincy.
