The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is set to usher in a new era in Indian Test cricket with a fresh leadership duo as the selectors finalize the squad for the challenging five-match series in England, beginning June 20 in Leeds. According to reports, Shubman Gill is the frontrunner to be appointed the new captain of the Indian Test team, marking a significant generational shift following the recent retirements of stalwarts Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma.
At just 25, Gill has impressed with his composure, consistency, and leadership skills in domestic and international cricket. The selectors see him as a long-term investment as India begins a new cycle in the World Test Championship. Though Jasprit Bumrah was vice-captain during India’s last Test tour of Australia and remains a senior figure, concerns over his recurring injuries and workload management are likely to prevent his elevation to full-time captaincy.
Rishabh Pant, despite a below-par Indian Premier League (IPL) season, remains central to India’s Test ambitions. His resilience, experience behind the stumps, and aggressive batting style make him a natural fit for vice-captaincy. Pant’s comeback to top-tier cricket after injury rehabilitation has been encouraging, and his leadership potential is well recognized by the selectors.
The team selection for the England series is not expected to bring major changes apart from leadership. KL Rahul, a seasoned player, is likely to open the innings alongside the dynamic Yashasvi Jaiswal. Sai Sudharsan, who has been impressive in domestic cricket, is tipped to be named as a backup opener.
The middle-order equation may include one among Karun Nair, Sarfaraz Khan, or Shreyas Iyer, depending on the team’s requirement for an extra specialist batter. The retirement of R. Ashwin has reshaped the spin department, with Ravindra Jadeja assuming the lead spinner role. Washington Sundar is likely to be preferred over Kuldeep Yadav, especially considering England’s seam-friendly conditions and Sundar’s batting depth.
Pant is expected to retain his spot as the first-choice wicketkeeper, with Dhruv Jurel as the back-up. In the pace department, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and a partially fit Mohammed Shami will lead the charge. However, Shami’s fitness remains under close watch. Should the selectors opt for a five-man pace attack, options like Prasidh Krishna, Akash Deep, and Arshdeep Singh yet to make a Test debut could be considered. If a left-arm pacer is deemed necessary, Khaleel Ahmed could come into contention alongside Arshdeep.
Chief selector Ajit Agarkar is expected to hold a press conference to announce the squad and outline India’s strategy for this critical transition period. Meanwhile, the India A squad’s concurrent shadow tour of England will provide a ready talent pool for any last-minute replacements during the long series. As the Indian Test team turns a new page post the Kohli-Rohit era, the decisions made by the selectors will be crucial in shaping the squad’s competitiveness and identity in the coming years. All eyes are now on Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant to lead India into this new phase with confidence and resilience.
