Shubman Gill has been named India’s new Test captain ahead of their five-match series against England, beginning June 20.
The 25-year-old top-order batter replaces Rohit Sharma, who recently announced his retirement from Test cricket. His decision followed that of Virat Kohli, who also stepped away from the longest format. Sharma last captained India in the Boxing Day Test against Australia.
While Jasprit Bumrah led India during parts of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy — including the opening Test in Perth and the final in Sydney — he was overlooked for the full-time captaincy due to ongoing fitness concerns and workload management, especially with a packed summer schedule in England.
The first Test will be played at Headingley in Leeds.
Gill, who debuted in Tests against Australia in December 2020, has played 32 matches so far, amassing 1,893 runs at an average of 35.05. He is also currently leading the Gujarat Titans in the Indian Premier League.
At 25 years and 258 days old, Gill becomes the fifth-youngest player to captain India in Test cricket. Wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant has been named vice-captain for the England tour.