Shubman Gill Likely to Take Over as India’s Next Test Captain Starting England Tour

India is on the brink of a new era in Test cricket, with Shubman Gill emerging as the leading contender to replace Rohit Sharma as full-time Test captain. The change is expected to take effect from India's upcoming five-Test series in England, starting June 20 at Headingley, which also marks the beginning of the new World Test Championship (WTC) cycle.

Gill’s elevation to the role appears increasingly inevitable, particularly after the team management decided against overburdening Jasprit Bumrah, who had previously been considered a strong candidate for Test captaincy. Bumrah, India's pace spearhead and current vice-captain in Tests, led the side in two matches during the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia. However, concerns over his workload and recent back issues—which saw him miss parts of IPL 2025—have prompted the selectors to look for a more stable, long-term option.

The final decision is expected later this month when the Ajit Agarkar-led selection panel meets to pick the squad for the England tour. With the goal of building for the next WTC cycle, the selectors are prioritizing continuity and longevity in leadership—qualities they see in 25-year-old Gill.

Though Gill lacks leadership experience in the longer format, he has shown maturity as a cricketer and leader. He captained India in five T20Is during the 2024 tour of Zimbabwe and currently leads Gujarat Titans in the IPL, having taken over from Hardik Pandya in 2024. While GT struggled last season, Gill’s captaincy and form have helped them bounce back in IPL 2025, reaffirming his credentials as a leader.

Gill has been a regular in the Test setup since his debut in Melbourne in December 2020, where he impressed against a top-tier Australian bowling attack. In 32 Tests, he has scored 1893 runs at an average of 35.05, including five centuries and seven half-centuries. His technically sound batting, composure under pressure, and growing tactical awareness make him a strong candidate for taking the helm during what could be a significant transition phase for Indian Test cricket.

With Rohit Sharma officially retiring from Tests, and other senior options like KL Rahul and Virat Kohli either inconsistent or unlikely to resume leadership roles, Gill's appointment would signal a generational shift. It’s a move that blends planning for the future with rewarding a young cricketer who has steadily risen through the ranks with consistent performances and growing leadership responsibility.

Catch the match live updates, highlights, and full match coverage on CricRadio. Get fast, accurate, and ad-free updates throughout the game. Download the CricRadio app from the Play Store to stay connected. You can also get the live scores of cricket series directly on the CricRadio website for real-time coverage.