Shubman Gill named India test captain for England series; Rishabh Pant to be vice-captain

India is set to embark on their five-match Test series in England with Shubman Gill at the helm and Rishabh Pant as his deputy. This series marks the beginning of India’s journey in the World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle.

The captaincy change comes in the wake of Rohit Sharma’s recent retirement from Test cricket. While star fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah has previously led the team in Sharma’s absence, reports suggest he will neither be the captain nor the vice-captain for the crucial tour of England.

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According to a PTI report, rising star Shubman Gill is the frontrunner to take over the Test captaincy. Adding to the surprise, wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant is reportedly set to be named the vice-captain for the series against England.

The PTI reports have indicated that Jasprit Bumrah, despite his seniority, was not considered for the vice-captaincy role under the much younger Shubman Gill. Concerns regarding Bumrah’s fitness track record also played a role in this decision, deterring the team management from assigning him any leadership responsibilities.

Rishabh Pant, known for his aggressive and impactful batting, particularly in overseas conditions, is believed to be the driving force behind the team management’s choice for vice-captain. According to PTI a BCCI source close to the developments told, “If Bumrah isn’t the captain, then there is no point offering him vice-captaincy.”

Interestingly, the report also reveals that Virat Kohli’s name was considered for the captaincy for the England series. This option was reportedly explored to provide Shubman Gill with more time to mature into a leadership role. However, the PTI report confirmed that Shubman Gill, at 25 and a half years old, is seen as the “obvious choice” for the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee, especially given Bumrah’s fitness concerns.

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