Criticism: BCCI Selectors Slammed For Not Preparing for Virat, Rohit Retirement

Gautam Gambhir and the selectors come under fire for poor planning as Shubman Gill is named India’s new Test captain, while others hail the decision.

May 25, 2025: The Indian Test team’s long-awaited transition has begun in earnest as Shubman Gill was announced as the new captain for the upcoming five-Test series against England. With the retirements of stalwarts Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, the squad, unveiled by chief selector Ajit Agarkar on Saturday, reflects a fresh look and new challenges ahead.

Also Read: Ajit Agarkar Reveals When Virat Kohli Informed BCCI About Test Retirement

Young Sai Sudharsan earned his maiden Test call-up, and Karun Nair and Abhimanyu Easwaran are also in the reckoning for a place in the playing XI.

However, not everyone is happy with the transition’s handling. Former BCCI chief selector Kiran More has slammed Indian cricket team head coach Gautam Gambhir and the current selection committee for failing to prepare adequately for this generational shift. Both Kohli and Rohit retired just weeks before the squad announcement, raising questions about succession planning.

Also Read: Why Were Bumrah and Rahul Overlooked for Test Captaincy? BCCI Explains

“First thing, I’m surprised,” More told Follow the Blues on JioHotstar. “The whole selection committee and coach should’ve thought about this, that this (transition) was going to come. Now, suddenly, everybody has woken up and they’re asking who should be the next captain. They should’ve been prepared. I feel we haven’t prepared for 1.5 years—this is a big wake-up call for us.”

In contrast, former cricketer Atul Wassan praised the BCCI selectors for appointing Shubman Gill as captain. Speaking to ANI, Wassan emphasized the need for a captain who plays all formats and has time to grow into the role. “I think this is a very good decision by the selectors. I have always said there should be such a captain who is a surety in all three formats and who has time to grow,” Wassan said.

Also Read: Sai Sudharsan Reacts to Maiden India Test Call-Up: “It Feels….”

Gill’s appointment marks a new era for Indian Test cricket, with Rishabh Pant as vice-captain. While some see it as an overdue shake-up, others are concerned the transition might have been mishandled. The first Test of the England tour begins on June 20, setting the stage for the next chapter in Indian cricket.

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Shubman Gill, BCCI, Ajit Agarkar, Gautam Gambhir, Indian Cricket, Test cricket, India vs England, Kiran More, Atul Wassan, India cricket team news