Shubman Gill Takes the Helm as India’s 37th Test Captain; Rishabh Pant Named Vice-Captain
In a landmark move that signals a generational transition in Indian cricket, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced Shubman Gill as the new captain of the Indian Test team. The stylish opener from Punjab becomes India’s 37th Test captain, replacing Rohit Sharma, who recently stepped down from the role following India’s 2025 home season.
Accompanying him in the leadership group is Rishabh Pant, who has been appointed as vice-captain for the upcoming five-match Test series against England, starting June 20 at Headingley, Leeds.
🚀 A New Era Begins: Youth Takes Center Stage
The appointments of Gill and Pant mark a clear shift toward a youth-led team structure. Both players are under 27 and have been touted as the future of Indian cricket for several years. Their elevation is not just a response to the retirements of stalwarts like Rohit Sharma and the phasing out of Virat Kohli in Tests, but also a strategic investment in grooming long-term leadership.
Ajit Agarkar, chairman of selectors, emphasized the forward-looking nature of this decision:
“You don’t pick a Test captain for just one or two tours. Gill has shown maturity, class, and a hunger to lead. This England series will be an important foundation for him.”
🏏 Why Shubman Gill?
At just 25, Shubman Gill has already established himself as a mainstay in the Indian top order. He has scored over 1,800 Test runs, including five centuries, and has proven himself in both subcontinent conditions and overseas.
What makes Gill’s appointment noteworthy is his leadership experience at a young age. As captain of the Gujarat Titans in IPL 2024 and 2025, he demonstrated poise, tactical acumen, and consistency, leading the team to the playoffs both seasons. His quiet confidence and methodical approach have drawn comparisons to Rahul Dravid — India’s current head coach.
Moreover, his calm demeanor and focus have made him a dependable presence in the dressing room, which is now in a transitional phase.
🔥 Pant’s Resilient Comeback: Vice-Captaincy as Reward
If Gill’s rise is a story of steady growth, Rishabh Pant’s journey is one of resilience. Following a near-fatal car accident in December 2022, Pant spent over a year in recovery and rehabilitation. His return to top-flight cricket in early 2025 was nothing short of remarkable — highlighted by explosive innings and a refreshed maturity behind the stumps.
Pant has long been considered a “game-changer” in the red-ball format. His counter-attacking knocks in Sydney, Brisbane, and Cape Town have become part of Indian cricket folklore. As a wicketkeeper, he offers an on-field vantage point that naturally complements a leadership role. He also brings infectious energy and constant vocal support, boosting the team’s morale.
🧠 The Leadership Combination: Contrast That Complements
The pairing of Gill and Pant as captain and vice-captain offers a balance of temperament and aggression. While Gill is more methodical and composed, Pant is instinctive and expressive. This contrast in styles could work to India’s advantage, especially on tough overseas tours like the one in England.
Their partnership also reflects a modern leadership trend — dual responsibility with shared vision. In fact, several national teams have embraced similar dual structures, including England (Stokes–Root previously) and Australia (Cummins–Smith).
📋 India’s Test Squad for England Tour
The 18-member squad announced by BCCI shows a mix of new faces and returning talent. Sai Sudharsan, Karun Nair, and Nitish Reddy find places after strong domestic seasons, while Jasprit Bumrah returns but is expected to be rotated carefully due to injury history.
Squad Highlights:
- Captain: Shubman Gill
- Vice-Captain: Rishabh Pant
- Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sudharsan, Easwaran
- Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Nitish Reddy
- Bumrah, Siraj, Arshdeep, Kuldeep, Akash Deep
- Dhruv Jurel (backup keeper)
Notably, Mohammed Shami has been left out as he continues to recover from an ankle injury.
🧭 What’s Next?
India’s Test series against England will be a litmus test for Gill’s leadership. English conditions, especially in early summer, are unforgiving. A young captain facing experienced English pacers on swinging tracks will be a fascinating subplot.
For Pant, it’s a chance to demonstrate he is not only back but ready to play a critical leadership role. The performances of both men in the coming months may well shape India’s roadmap for the World Test Championship 2025–27 cycle.
BiGG Sports NEWS will be tracking every development, from training sessions to match day strategies.
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