With Rohit Sharma stepping away from Tests and Virat Kohli’s future unclear, the selectors are backing 25-year-old Shubman Gill to take over as captain, with Rishabh Pant set to be his deputy.
May 11, 2025: In a major development for Indian cricket, star batter Shubman Gill is reportedly set to be named the new Test captain for the upcoming five-match series against England, while Rishabh Pant is likely to serve as vice-captain, according to sources quoted by PTI.
The leadership transition comes as Rohit Sharma has announced his retirement from the longest format, and Virat Kohli has expressed a desire to step away from Tests, although he is expected to be requested to play the England series due to his immense experience.
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Pant’s selection as vice-captain is being seen as a natural progression, given his strong record in overseas Tests — including centuries in Australia, England, and South Africa — and his reputation as one of India’s most dynamic red-ball players. With Jasprit Bumrah dealing with fitness concerns and deemed unsuitable for a leadership role at present, the selectors have turned to a younger leadership core.
“If Bumrah isn’t the captain, then there is no point offering him vice-captaincy,” a senior BCCI official was quoted as saying.
The BCCI’s Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee is understood to have debated the possibility of reinstating Virat Kohli as captain for the England tour to ease Gill into the leadership role, but ultimately felt that Gill — aged 25 — is now ready for the responsibility.
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KL Rahul has reportedly been ruled out of contention due to inconsistency and age, despite decent performances in Australia. With a Test average under 35 from 50 matches, the selectors believe it is time to look forward.
The final squad for the England Test tour is expected to be announced in the third week of May, with the India A squad to be revealed earlier. Promising Tamil Nadu batter Sai Sudharsan is likely to be included in the Test squad and may open the innings or slot in at No. 3.
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Shubman Gill, Rishabh Pant, India vs England 2025, Test captain, Indian Test team, BCCI, Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Indian cricket, Ajit Agarkar