Shubman Gill appointed as India’s new Test captain ahead of the upcoming England tour, marking a new era in Indian cricket leadership. Stay updated on team developments and fixtures.

In a significant development for Indian cricket, Shubman Gill has been appointed as the 37th Test captain of the Indian national team. The announcement was made by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on May 24, 2025, during a senior selection committee meeting at the BCCI headquarters in Mumbai. Gill, at 25 years old, takes over the reins from Rohit Sharma, who retired from Test cricket earlier this year. This leadership change marks the beginning of a new chapter in India’s red-ball cricket journey.

Shubman Gill’s rise to the Test Captain has been marked by consistent performances and leadership qualities. Having represented India in 32 Test matches, Gill has accumulated 1,893 runs at an average of 35.05, including five centuries.

His solid technique and composure under pressure have made him a mainstay in the Indian top order. Beyond his batting prowess, Gill has showcased leadership skills, having captained India in the T20I series against Zimbabwe in July 2024. His appointment as Test captain reflects the selectors’ confidence in his ability to lead the team in the longer format.

Alongside Gill’s elevation to the captaincy, wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant has been named the vice-captain for the upcoming England tour. Pant’s dynamic presence and experience in international cricket make him a valuable deputy to Gill. The duo is expected to bring a blend of youthful energy and seasoned expertise to the leadership group.

The BCCI also unveiled the 18-member squad for the five-match Test series against England, scheduled to commence on June 20, 2025, at Headingley, Leeds. The series is part of the 2025–27 ICC World Test Championship cycle and will be played across iconic venues, including Edgbaston (Birmingham), Lord’s (London), Old Trafford (Manchester), and The Oval (London). Notable inclusions in the squad are Karun Nair, Sai Sudharsan, and Shardul Thakur, who have earned call-ups, indicating a blend of experience and new talent for the challenging away series.

India’s Test Squad for the England Tour

The BCCI has announced an 18-member squad for the upcoming Test series against England. The squad blends experienced players with promising talents, aiming to challenge England in their home conditions. Notably, newcomers Sai Sudharsan and Karun Nair have been included, while seasoned players like Shreyas Iyer and Mohammed Shami have been left out due to form and fitness concerns.

Full Squad:

Shubman Gill (Captain)
Rishabh Pant (Vice-Captain & Wicketkeeper)
Yashasvi Jaiswal
KL Rahul
Sai Sudharsan
Abhimanyu Easwaran
Karun Nair
Nitish Reddy
Ravindra Jadeja
Dhruv Jurel (Wicketkeeper)
Washington Sundar
Shardul Thakur
Jasprit Bumrah
Mohammed Siraj
Prasidh Krishna
Akash Deep
Arshdeep Singh
Kuldeep Yadav (Only specialist spinner)

The squad will face England in a series of five Tests, scheduled across iconic venues including Headingley (Leeds), Edgbaston (Birmingham), Lord’s (London), Old Trafford (Manchester), and The Oval (London).

The appointment of Shubman Gill as Test captain follows the retirements of stalwarts Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli from Test cricket. Rohit Sharma announced his retirement earlier this year, and Virat Kohli followed suit shortly thereafter. Their departures have paved the way for a new generation of players to take on leadership roles. Gill’s appointment signifies a forward-looking approach by the selectors, aiming to build a team that can compete at the highest level in the Test format.

Leading India in a five-match Test series in England is a formidable challenge, given the conditions and the quality of the opposition. The English conditions are known for their swing and seam movement, which can test the skills of even the most seasoned batsmen. However, Gill’s adaptability and calm demeanor are expected to serve him well in navigating these challenges. The series will also provide an opportunity for the new leadership to establish their strategies and build team cohesion.

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