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"Taken Feedback From Dressing Room": Agarkar On Shubman Gill’s Appointment As Captain

Sakshi Sharma

Shubman Gill appointed as captain (Source:@Gillinationnn_,x.com)Shubman Gill appointed as captain (Source:@Gillinationnn_,x.com)

In a major development ahead of the upcoming World Test Championship (WTC) cycle, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Saturday announced a new-look leadership for the national Test team. Shubman Gill has been appointed as the new Test captain, while Rishabh Pant will serve as his deputy for the five-match Test series against England starting June 20.

The announcement came following the selection committee meeting at the BCCI headquarters in Mumbai, chaired by chief selector Ajit Agarkar, who later addressed the media to explain the logic behind the decision.

Why Shubman Gill? Agarkar Explains The Call

Agarkar was quick to acknowledge that Shubman Gill lacks captaincy experience in Tests, having never led in the format. However, he emphasised that the selectors are looking beyond just the upcoming tour.

"You discuss every option that's there,” Agarkar said when asked about the decision to name Gill captain. “Over the last year, we've looked at Shubman. We've taken feedback from the dressing room as well. And we're hopeful we've picked the right guy. You don't pick captains for one tour or two tours. We've seen some progress over the last year or two with him (Shubman Gill). No doubt it's going to be as tough as it gets." - Ajit Agarkar 

Gill's Path To Captaincy

Though relatively new to leadership in red-ball cricket, Gill’s growth has been steady. He has captained India in five T20Is all during the 2024 tour of Zimbabwe and has led Gujarat Titans in the IPL. His maturity, temperament, and composure have reportedly impressed the dressing room and selectors. In Tests, Gill has played 32 matches, the star batter has scored 1893 runs at an average of 35.05. 

India's five-Test series in England will kick off at Headingley, Leeds on June 20. The remaining Tests will be played at: Edgbaston, Birmingham (July 2–6), Lord's, London (July 10–14), Old Trafford, Manchester (July 23–27) and The Oval, London (July 31–August 4).