New Test era begins: Shubman Gill takes the helm as selectors bet on youth to navigate England Tour

MUMBAI: Shubman Gill was officially named India’s new Test captain on Saturday, tasked with steering the team through a “massive transition” phase. Wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant has been named vice-captain for India’s five-Test tour of England in June-July. The tour promises to be a trial by fire for the youthful leadership duo. At 25, Gill becomes India’s fifth-youngest Test captain after Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi (21), Sachin Tendulkar (23), Kapil Dev (24), and Ravi Shastri (25). He is also the first Test captain from Punjab since spin great Bishan Singh Bedi, who led India during the 1978-79 series in Pakistan. The five-match series kicks off on June 20 in Leeds.
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Chief selector Ajit Agarkar said, “For the last year or so, we’ve been looking at Shubman (for leadership). We are hopeful he is the guy who is going to take the team forward. It is a high-pressure job, but he is a terrific player. We wish him all the best.”

Who's that IPL player?

Gill’s only notable drawback has been his modest performances in SENA (South Africa, England, New Zealand, and Australia) countries. Nevertheless, the selectors are backing the talented batter to guide India through this phase. “It is a massive transition. Both Rohit and Virat were around for a long time,” Agarkar added, alongside co-selector SS Das.

Though out of form in IPL 2025, the 27-year-old Pant brings more experience to the table with 43 Tests. “Pant is one of our best batters in Test cricket over the last four-five years. A wicketkeeper can read the game well, and that’s why he’s Shubman’s deputy,” Agarkar explained.

A notable omission is veteran pacer Mohammed Shami, who has been ruled out due to fitness concerns. “He’s had a bit of a setback last week and underwent some MRIs. I don’t think he was going to be available for all five Tests anyway. His workload is not where it needs to be,” said Agarkar. Seamer Harshit Rana and Mumbai batter Sarfaraz Khan, both of whom toured Australia in 2024-25, have been dropped. Shreyas Iyer, another Mumbai batter, has also been overlooked.

Maiden Test call-ups for Sai, Arshdeep

Twenty-three-year-old left-hander B Sai Sudharsan , currently the leading run scorer in IPL-2025, and Punjab left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh have earned maiden Test call-ups. Agarkar clarified that Sudharsan’s inclusion wasn’t based on IPL form alone: “Sai has shown the right temperament and has the game to succeed. We’ve been tracking him for a while.”

Karun Nair, Shardul Thakur recalled

There was also a long-awaited recall for Karun Nair, who last played a Test in March 2017. Pace-bowling allrounder Shardul Thakur also returned to the Test squad following an impressive domestic season. Representing Mumbai in the 2024-25 Ranji Trophy, he claimed 35 wickets at 22.62 and scored 505 runs at 42.08, including four fifties and a century. His last Test was against South Africa in Dec 2023.

Bumrah unavailable for full series

Premier pacer Jasprit Bumrah will not be available for all five Tests. “According to the physios and doctors, he might play three or four matches. He’s crucial, so even if available for a few games, he can win us matches,” Agarkar said. On the retirement of Kohli and Rohit, Agarkar admitted that their absence leaves a void: “They are stalwarts of Indian cricket. It’s tough to replace them but it’s also an opportunity for others.”

INDIA’S SQUAD FOR FIVE-TEST TOUR OF ENGLAND

Shubman Gill (captain), Rishabh Pant (vice-captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, B Sai Sudharsan, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Karun Nair, Nitish Reddy, Ravindra Jadeja, Dhruv Jurel, Washington Sundar, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Akash Deep, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav.