Shubman Gill named India's test Captain
Published on 5/24/2025 | Abhay Raj Patel
Shubman Gill’s appointment as India’s Test captain, announced on May 24, 2025, ushers in a new chapter for Indian cricket
Shubman Gill Announced as India’s Test Captain
Key Points
- Shubman Gill, aged 26, named India’s Test captain for the England series starting June 20, 2025.
- Announcement follows retirements of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, marking a transitional phase.
- Gill’s stats: 32 Tests (1,893 runs, avg 35), 55 ODIs (2,775 runs, avg 59), and IPL leadership experience.
- Debate over his readiness, with some fans questioning his Test captaincy experience.
Shubman Gill: India’s New Test Captain
Shubman Gill, India’s newly appointed Test captain, ready to lead the team in the upcoming England series. Image source: BCCI via X
Background and Appointment
On May 24, 2025, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced Shubman Gill as India’s Test captain for the five-match series against England, starting June 20, 2025, in Leeds. The series, part of the 2025-27 ICC World Test Championship cycle, comes after the retirements of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. At 26, Gill brings a blend of youth and experience, having debuted internationally in 2019 against New Zealand and shone in the 2018 U19 World Cup as vice-captain and leading run-scorer.
Career Statistics
Gill’s stats across formats highlight his versatility: Test Cricket: 32 matches, 1,893 runs, average 35, highest score 128*, with 210 fours and 31 sixes. ODI Cricket: 55 matches, 2,775 runs, average 59, highest score 208 (youngest to score a double century), with 313 fours and 59 sixes. T20I Cricket: 21 matches, 582 runs, average 31, highest score 126* (highest by an Indian), with 61 fours and 22 sixes. IPL: 116 matches, 3,852 runs, average 40.13, 4 centuries, 26 half-centuries, highest score 129, playing for Gujarat Titans in 2025. His ICC rankings as of May 2025 are 23rd in Test batting (631 points), 1st in ODI batting (784 points), and 41st in T20I batting (546 points).
Leadership Experience
Gill has prior leadership roles, including captaining Gujarat Titans in IPL 2024 and leading India to a 4-1 T20I series win against Zimbabwe in 2024. These experiences are seen as preparation for the Test captaincy, though some question his limited Test leadership exposure.
Challenges and Reactions
Leading in England, known for challenging conditions, will test Gill, especially against Ben Stokes’ aggressive England team. Fan reactions on X are mixed, with excitement about his potential but concerns over his readiness, given his youth. Analysts like Sanjay Manjrekar praise his composure, while others see it as a bold move by coach Gautam Gambhir.
Conclusion
Gill’s appointment signals a new era for Indian Test cricket, with his success crucial for the World Test Championship cycle. At 26, he’s among the youngest captains, and his performance will shape his legacy and India’s future.