India has appointed top-order batter Shubman Gill as the new captain of the Test team, following the retirements of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli from the five-day format.
The 25-year-old will captain the side in the upcoming five-match Test series against England, starting June 20, the BCCI announced on Saturday.
This decision marks the beginning of a new era for Indian Test cricket, after Rohit (38) and Kohli (36) stepped down earlier this month. “Shubman Gill-led #TeamIndia are READY for an action-packed Test series,” the BCCI said in a statement.
Pant Named Vice-Captain, Shami Misses Out
Wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant has been appointed vice-captain, while senior fast bowler Mohammed Shami has been left out of the 18-member squad due to fitness issues, according to chief selector Ajit Agarkar. Jasprit Bumrah has been included but will be rotated throughout the series to manage his workload.
Gill, renowned for his stylish batting, currently leads Gujarat Titans in the IPL and guided them into the playoffs this season. Since making his Test debut in 2020 at Melbourne, he has featured in 32 Tests, amassing 1,893 runs at an average of 35.05, including five centuries.
A vital presence in both the Test and ODI formats, Gill was also instrumental in India’s Champions Trophy victory in Dubai earlier this year.
Rohit and Kohli’s Retirements Are ‘Personal Choices’
Chief selector Ajit Agarkar said the retirements of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli were personal decisions, leaving a void but also paving the way for emerging talent.
“When players of such stature retire, it’s never easy. Those three have been pillars of Indian cricket. But now, it’s an opportunity for others,” Agarkar said. “They’ve left a legacy that will be hard to match.”
Agarkar also shared that Kohli had informed the board of his retirement in early April. “We’ve all seen how hard he plays,” he said. “If he felt he couldn’t keep up with his own standards, it’s a fair call.”
Kohli announced his decision on Instagram, like Rohit. Despite media rumors that the retirements were influenced by the team management, Agarkar dismissed the speculation.
“Kohli is among the greatest batters of his generation, an icon admired by millions,” he said. The former India captain scored 9,230 runs in 123 Tests at an average of 46.85.
“It’s important to respect their decisions,” Agarkar emphasized. “Speculating on retirements isn’t helpful. Even when you’re picking a team, you never ask someone to retire.”
