Shubman Gill is reportedly the frontrunner to become India’s next Test captain following Rohit Sharma’s sudden retirement from red-ball cricket on May 7, as per a report by ESPNcricinfo. If appointed, Gill’s first major assignment as skipper will be the challenging five-match Test series in England, starting June 20.
At just 25 years old, Gill has never led India in ODIs or Tests but did captain the national team in five T20Is during the Zimbabwe tour following the 2024 T20 World Cup. He is also the current captain of Gujarat Titans (GT) in the Indian Premier League (IPL), having taken over the leadership last season after Hardik Pandya’s exit.
While other names like Virat Kohli and KL Rahul — both of whom have prior Test captaincy experience — are still in the fray, the selectors are reportedly keen to invest in a long-term leadership option, and Gill fits the profile. He has shown maturity as a batter and leader in recent years and is considered one of the brightest prospects in Indian cricket.
Meanwhile, star pacer Jasprit Bumrah, who served as Rohit Sharma’s deputy during the last tour of Australia and even led India to their only win in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024–25, is unlikely to be given the leadership role. According to the report, Bumrah will miss several matches during the new World Test Championship (WTC) cycle as part of workload management, ruling him out as a full-time captaincy option.
Bumrah’s past experience of leading India came at a physical cost. After featuring in all five Tests in Australia, the fast bowler sustained a back injury due to excessive workload — something the team management is determined to avoid in the upcoming cycle.
Gill’s elevation would mark a generational shift in Indian Test cricket leadership. Since making his debut in December 2020, the stylish right-hander has played 32 Tests, scoring 1893 runs at an average of 35.05, with five centuries and seven half-centuries to his name. Known for his composure and stroke play, Gill has already been viewed as a future all-format leader by many in the cricketing community.
The final squad for the England tour will be announced later this month, with the selectors also expected to reveal their choice for the next Test captain. As India transitions into a new era post-Rohit Sharma, all eyes will be on whether Shubman Gill is handed the responsibility of leading the side into the next phase of the WTC.
