NEW DELHI: India’s newly-appointed Test captain, Shubman Gill, called the opportunity to lead the national side in the red-ball format a tremendous honour and a significant responsibility. Gill, who has featured as both an opener and No. 3 in India’s Test line-up, steps into the leadership role following Rohit Sharma’s retirement from the format earlier this month. In 32 Tests, Gill has scored 1893 runs at an average of 35.1, with five centuries and seven fifties to his name.“As a young kid, when anyone starts playing cricket, they want to play for India. Not just play for India, but play Test cricket for India for a very long time. To be able to get this opportunity is a great honour and like you said, it’s a big responsibility,” Gill said in a short video posted by the BCCI on its social media platforms.On Saturday, the selectors named Gill as captain for the upcoming five-Test series in England, with Rishabh Pant appointed vice-captain. The leadership transition, following the retirements of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, had been on expected lines. B Sai Sudharsan received his maiden Test call-up.
Karun Nair makes a return to the national fold after seven years, while pacer Mohammed Shami was excluded due to fitness concerns.
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“We discussed every option that’s there, over the last year or so, we’ve looked at Shubman at various times. Taken a lot of feedback from the dressing room. Very young, but there’s been improvement,” said chief selector Ajit Agarkar during the squad announcement.“We’re hopeful he’s the guy. He’s a terrific player, our best wishes to him. You don’t pick captains for one tour or two tours. We’ve seen some progress over the last year or two with him. No doubt it’s going to be as tough as it gets,” Agarkar added.Gill’s previous captaincy experience includes leading India to a 4-1 T20I series win in Zimbabwe and serving as vice-captain in the white-ball squad that won the 2025 Champions Trophy in Dubai.
Currently, Gill is also captaining Gujarat Titans in IPL 2025, where the team sits atop the points table and has qualified for the playoffs. His leadership has been praised by teammates and coaching staff for its clarity, composure, and tactical intelligence.Arshdeep Singh also earned a maiden Test call-up, while Karun Nair’s inclusion marked a comeback after a lengthy absence. Mohammed Shami, however, did not make the cut as he was deemed unfit for the physically demanding tour.
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