The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is reportedly set to appoint Shubman Gill as the next Test captain, with Rishabh Pant likely to be named his deputy.
Shubman Gill to be named next Indian Test Captain
At just 25 years old, Shubman Gill has emerged as the frontrunner to lead the team into a new chapter. With a mature batting style and international exposure across formats, Gill symbolizes the youth-centric shift India is eyeing in Test cricket.
Jasprit Bumrah, previously vice-captain during India’s tour of Australia, was a natural contender for the top job. However, ongoing concerns regarding his workload and fitness — especially for a grueling five-Test series — have reportedly swayed the decision in Gill’s favor.
This leadership transition comes in the wake of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma’s retirements from the format — both within a week’s time — marking the end of a golden era.
The national selectors, led by Ajit Agarkar, are expected to finalize the Test squad for the upcoming five-match series in England, with the official announcement scheduled for Saturday. The first Test is set to begin at Headingley, Leeds, on June 20, as part of the new World Test Championship (WTC) cycle.
Risbhan Pant’s Leadership Role
Despite an underwhelming IPL 2025, Rishabh Pant remains a cornerstone of India’s Test plans. His experience, charisma, and aggressive style make him a valuable asset in the rebuilding phase. He is expected to be named vice-captain, signaling the management’s faith in his long-term role.
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ENG vs IND Test Team Selection: What to Expect
The overall squad will likely retain a familiar structure:
- Openers: KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal are expected to start, with Sai Sudharsan as a backup.
- Middle-order: One of Sarfaraz Khan, Shreyas Iyer, or Karun Nair could be added as extra batting depth.
- Spinners: With Ravichandran Ashwin retiring, Ravindra Jadeja will lead the spin attack. Washington Sundar is a strong candidate to join him, especially given English conditions.
- Wicketkeeping: Pant is the first-choice keeper, while Dhruv Jurel is expected to retain his spot as the backup.
- Fast Bowlers: The pace unit, led by Jasprit Bumrah, will include Mohammed Siraj and a recovering Mohammed Shami, if fit. Contenders for additional slots include Prasidh Krishna, Akash Deep, and Arshdeep Singh. If the selectors want a left-arm option, Khaleel Ahmed could be considered.
India A Options in Play
A shadow India A squad, which will play two four-day matches in England, will act as a feeder pool. Any last-minute injuries or changes to the main Test squad could be addressed by pulling replacements from this group.
Ajit Agarkar expected to address the media post-announcement, fans will gain a clearer picture of India’s roadmap as they aim to reclaim the WTC title.
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The highly anticipated India tour of England 2025 is set to kick off on June 20, 2025, featuring a five-match Test series. This tour marks the beginning of a new World Test Championship (WTC) cycle for both teams.
Yes, India has tasted series success in England before. Their first historic Test series win came in 1971, when they beat England 1-0, with the other two Tests ending in draws. India repeated this feat in 2007, securing another memorable series victory on English turf.
Cricket enthusiasts can catch all the live action of the India Tour of England 2025 exclusively on Sony LIV, the official streaming partner for the series.
