Indian cricket stands on the cusp of a significant leadership transition following reports that Shubman Gill is likely to be named Test captain, with Rishabh Pant as his vice-captain, after Rohit Sharma’s retirement from the format.
According to a PTI report, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is considering this leadership duo for the upcoming five-Test series in England, starting June 20.
However, no official confirmation has been issued, and the BCCI is expected to finalise the squad and leadership roles by late May, leaving room for speculation.
Shubman Gill, Rishabh Pant Likely to Steer Indian Test Team in Transition Phase
Rohit, the 38-year-old former Test captain, announced his retirement from the format on May 7.
His exit, following India's 1-3 defeat in the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia, has created a leadership vacuum, particularly with the high-stakes England tour looming, that will kick-off the 2025-2027 World Test Championship (WTC) cycle for India.
Reports suggest Shubman Gill, 25, is the leading candidate to take over as Test captain, despite lacking experience in leading India.
Rishabh Pant, 27, is reportedly slated to serve as vice-captain, bringing his overseas prowess to the leadership group. Pant has a Test average of 42-plus in overseas conditions. He has scored centuries in England, Australia and South Africa, three of the most difficult tours for a sub-continent batter.
Both Gill and Pant are leading their respective teams, Gujarat Titans (GT) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in the Indian Premier League 2025 (IPL 2025).
Jasprit Bumrah, KL Rahul Overlooked for Test Captaincy; No Clarity on Virat Kohli’s Reported Test Retirement
The decision to reportedly overlook Jasprit Bumrah for the top role stems from concerns about his fitness. Bumrah, who led India in two Tests in Australia, suffered a back injury in Sydney, ruling him out for three months, including the Champions Trophy and early IPL 2025 games.
KL Rahul, another contender, was also not considered, because of his age and inconsistent Test performances.
Adding intrigue to the transition is the uncertainty surrounding Virat Kohli’s Test future. Reports from The Indian Express indicate Kohli, 36, has signaled his intent to retire from Tests, though the BCCI is urging him to reconsider for the England series.
As reported by the PTI, the selection committee briefly considered him for captaincy to provide stability in England and give some learning time to Gill.
"It is true that selectors did think about having Kohli as India skipper for the England series. This would have given Gill some time to grow into the leadership role but at 25-and-a-half years of age, he is yet to hit his peak. Due to Bumrah's fitness issues, Gill looks like the obvious choice for Ajit Agarkar's committee," a BCCI source said as quoted.
