As Indian cricket embarks on a new chapter in the World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 cycle, the spotlight is on Shubman Gill, who is set to take the reins as India’s Test captain for the upcoming five-match series against England, starting June 20, 2025. With stalwarts Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli retiring from the longest format, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is ushering in a generational shift, placing faith in the 25-year-old Gill to lead a transitioning squad. Reports also suggest that KL Rahul, a seasoned campaigner, is a strong contender for the vice-captaincy, adding experience to the leadership group. This article delves into the context of this leadership change, the challenges ahead, and the dynamics of the new Indian Test team.
A New Era Post-Rohit and Kohli
The retirements of Rohit Sharma on May 7, 2025, and Virat Kohli five days later marked the end of an era for Indian Test cricket. Both players were not only prolific run-scorers but also pivotal leaders, with Sharma captaining India to consistent success in the WTC. Their departures, coupled with Ravichandran Ashwin’s exit from international cricket during the Australia series, have left significant voids in both batting and leadership. The BCCI, under chief selector Ajit Agarkar and head coach Gautam Gambhir, has been tasked with rebuilding a squad capable of competing in the demanding conditions of England.
Shubman Gill, already the vice-captain in limited-overs formats, has emerged as the frontrunner for the Test captaincy. His composure, tactical acumen, and recent performances, including becoming the second-fastest Indian to 5,000 T20 runs, have bolstered his credentials. Sources indicate that Gill met with Gambhir and Agarkar, where he was informed of his impending role as captain, with an official announcement expected on May 24, 2025, at the BCCI headquarters in Mumbai.
Why Shubman Gill?
At 25, Gill represents the future of Indian cricket. His rise through the ranks has been meteoric, from leading the Under-19 World Cup-winning team in 2018 to becoming a mainstay in India’s batting lineup across formats. While his Test record—2,143 runs in 25 matches at an average of 35.71—shows room for growth, his ability to anchor innings and adapt to challenging conditions makes him a suitable candidate to replace Kohli at the crucial No. 4 position.
Gill’s leadership qualities have been evident in the Indian Premier League (IPL), where he captains the Gujarat Titans. His calm demeanor and strategic approach have earned praise from teammates and coaches alike. However, his appointment has not been without debate. Former cricketers like Krishnamachari Srikkanth and Wasim Jaffer have questioned whether Gill is a guaranteed starter in Tests, suggesting that his place in the XI is less certain than that of players like KL Rahul or Rishabh Pant. Despite these concerns, the BCCI’s preference for a younger, long-term captain has tilted the scales in Gill’s favor over other contenders like Jasprit Bumrah and Pant.
The Vice-Captaincy Conundrum
While Gill’s captaincy seems all but confirmed, the vice-captaincy race remains open, with KL Rahul emerging as a strong candidate. Rahul, 33, brings a wealth of experience, having previously captained India in Tests, including a memorable match in South Africa in 2022. His recent form, including an unbeaten century in the IPL 2025, underscores his value as a top-order batter. Reports suggest that Rahul is likely to open alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal in the England series, providing stability at the top.
However, Rahul’s age and injury history have raised questions about his suitability for a long-term leadership role. Some selectors and former players, including Sanjay Bangar, argue that Rahul’s experience makes him a better fit for captaincy than Gill, at least for the immediate future. Bangar emphasized Rahul’s proven leadership in overseas conditions and his status as a “guaranteed starter” in the XI.
Rishabh Pant is another contender for the vice-captaincy, favored for his match-winning performances in SENA (South Africa, England, New Zealand, Australia) countries. Pant’s aggressive batting and wicketkeeping skills make him a vital cog in the team, but his recent struggles as a captain in the IPL for Lucknow Super Giants have cast doubts on his leadership credentials. Jasprit Bumrah, despite his proven leadership in two Tests during the Australia series, has opted out of the captaincy race due to workload management concerns, further clearing the path for Gill and Rahul.
The England Challenge
The upcoming England series, starting at Leeds, will be a litmus test for Gill’s captaincy and the new-look Indian team. England’s pace-friendly conditions and their formidable batting lineup, led by Joe Root, who has scored 2,846 runs against India in Tests, pose a significant challenge. India’s previous success in England under Rahul Dravid’s captaincy in 2007 offers hope, but the absence of Sharma, Kohli, and Ashwin necessitates a strategic overhaul.
The batting order is a key focus area. With Rahul and Jaiswal likely to open, Gill is expected to bat at No. 4, replacing Kohli, while Sai Sudharsan or Karun Nair could slot in at No. 3. Pant’s role as a middle-order batter and wicketkeeper will be crucial, especially given his record of two Test centuries in England. The bowling attack, led by Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and Mohammed Shami, remains a strength, with Kuldeep Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja providing spin options.
Squad Composition and Selection Debates
The BCCI selectors are expected to announce a 16-member squad, balancing youth and experience. Proposed squads from former selectors like MSK Prasad and Jatin Paranjpe include names like Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Shubman Gill, Rishabh Pant, Ravindra Jadeja, Nitish Reddy, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Mohammed Shami, Prasidh Krishna, Dhruv Jurel, Washington Sundar, Arshdeep Singh, and Abhimanyu Easwaran.
However, debates persist over the inclusion of players like Shreyas Iyer, who has struggled for consistency, and the potential return of Karun Nair as an extra batting option. The selectors are also mindful of workload management, particularly for Bumrah, who may not play all five Tests. This has prompted suggestions for including an extra all-rounder like Shardul Thakur or a left-arm pacer like Arshdeep Singh.
The Road Ahead
Gill’s appointment as captain signals a bold move by the BCCI to invest in youth, aligning with the start of a new WTC cycle. His ability to lead a transitioning team in England, where India has historically faced tough battles, will define his early tenure. The support of experienced players like Rahul, Pant, and Bumrah will be critical in maintaining team cohesion and competitiveness.
The vice-captaincy decision, whether it falls to Rahul or Pant, will also shape the team’s leadership dynamics. Rahul’s experience and Pant’s flair offer contrasting strengths, and the selectors’ choice will reflect their vision for the team’s future. As Indian cricket navigates this transition, the focus will be on Gill’s ability to fill the void left by Sharma and Kohli, both on and off the field.
In Summary
Shubman Gill’s impending appointment as India’s Test captain marks the dawn of a new era, with KL Rahul as a potential vice-captain to guide the team through a challenging phase. The England series will test Gill’s leadership mettle and the squad’s resilience in the absence of their biggest stars. With a blend of youth and experience, India aims to kick off the WTC 2025-27 cycle on a strong note, setting the stage for a transformative journey in Test cricket.
