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Official! Shubman Gill Replaces Rohit Sharma As India’s New Test Captain

Sakshi Sharma

Shubman Gill named as India's Test captain (Source:@ImTanujSingh,x.com)Shubman Gill named as India's Test captain (Source:@ImTanujSingh,x.com)

In a significant announcement, Shubman Gill has officially been appointed as the new captain of India’s Test team. The decision comes ahead of the five-match home Test series against England, marking the beginning of a new World Test Championship (WTC) cycle.

Shubman Gill Appointed As Test Captain

Shubman Gill has replaced Rohit Sharma, who announced his retirement from Test cricket earlier this year. With Virat Kohli also stepping away from the red-ball format and Ravichandran Ashwin calling time on his international career, the Indian team is undergoing a significant transformation. 

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has revealed the full 18-member squad for England's tour. It is important to mention that Gill’s name was among the frontrunners alongside Jasprit Bumrah and Rishabh Pant, but the selectors have opted for a batting leader to guide the side through what is expected to be a critical transition phase.

Wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant has been appointed as Gill’s deputy ahead of the likes of KL Rahul and Jasprit Bumrah.

It is important to mention that at 25 years and 258 days, Gill becomes the fifth-youngest cricketer to captain India in Tests. He is 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).

Shubman Gill's Era Begin

As Shubman Gill prepares to take over the reins of India’s Test team, questions surrounding his red-ball captaincy experience will come to the forefront. However, it is important to mention that Gill has led in only five first-class matches including a single appearance as captain in the Ranji Trophy. 

However, the 25-year-old has shown considerable maturity and awareness as the captain of Gujarat Titans in IPL 2025. Though red-ball cricket demands a different temperament and strategic outlook, Gill’s recent success in the IPL will increase his confidence as a leader for the Test team.