The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is setting its sights on a new era of leadership for the Indian Test team, with Shubman Gill emerging as a prime candidate to take the reins.
As the Indian selection committee, led by Ajit Agarkar, prepares to announce the squad for the upcoming five-match Test series against England, starting June 20, discussions around captaincy have taken stage. With questions swirling about Rohit Sharma’s form and Jasprit Bumrah’s fitness, Gill’s name is gaining traction as a potential vice-captain and long-term successor.
The 25-year-old has already made waves as a leader, serving as vice-captain in India’s ODI and T20I setups. His calm demeanor and tactical acumen have impressed the BCCI, particularly during his stint as captain of the Gujarat Titans (GT) in the Indian Premier League 2025 (IPL 2025).
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Under Shubham Gill’s leadership, the Titans have roared back from a lackluster 2024, securing seven wins in 10 matches and sitting comfortably in the top half of the IPL 2025 points table.
Also read: "You Cant Be Complacent Or Relax" - Steve Waugh's Stern Words For Rohit Sharma Ahead Of England Tour
Shubman Gill Likely to Be Named Test Vice-Captain; BCCI Rejects Senior Player’s Captaincy Offer
As per a report by the Times of India, the board is keen to groom Gill for the future, potentially naming him vice-captain for the England series to ease him into the role.
Rohit, India’s current Test captain, has faced scrutiny after a lean run in Australia, where he managed just 31 runs across three Tests.
While Rohit has expressed his desire to lead the team in England, the BCCI is reportedly weighing its options, with Gill’s rise providing a compelling alternative. Bumrah, another potential candidate, has been hampered by injury concerns, further strengthening Gill’s case.
The report further revealed that another senior Indian player had expressed a strong desire to lead the team, sensing a leadership vacuum. While it did not disclose the player’s identity, it confirmed that the BCCI rejected the offer, emphasizing their commitment to groom a captain who can helm the side for years to come.
"A new WTC cycle is starting. Future and continuity have to be kept in mind as far as the team is concerned. Even coach Gautam Gambhir would want a set of players he is likely to work with for an extended period. There can't be any stop-gap solutions for such an important series. The last two Test series haven't been ideal for the team and the England series is very crucial," a source said as quoted to TOI.
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Meanwhile, India has slipped to fourth position in the ICC Test rankings. Looking at the decline in India’s performance in the format, the BCCI is expected to make many more tough calls.
The series between India and England kicks off with the first Test at Headingley, Leeds, from June 20-24, followed by the second Test at Edgbaston, Birmingham, from July 2-6. The third Test will be played at Lord’s, London, from July 10-14, with the fourth Test scheduled at Old Trafford, Manchester, from July 23-27. The series concludes with the fifth Test at The Oval, London, from July 31 to August 4.
