A new chapter has begun for Indian cricket as Shubman Gill takes the reins as Test captain. At just 25 years old, Gill is now the youngest Test captain for India. This transition marks a significant moment, ushering in a fresh era with renewed energy and strategic direction.
Gill's appointment comes at a pivotal time, following the Test retirements of veterans like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. These two players have been mainstays of the Indian batting order for over a decade, and their absence creates a void that Gill and the team must now fill. This series against England marks India's return to the longest format of the game.
Ahead of the first Test match against England at Headingley, Leeds, Gill expressed his excitement and honor at being named captain. He emphasized the importance of creating a secure team environment where players feel validated and safe, fostering the best possible performances. Gill also noted that he shares a similar leadership vision with vice-captain Rishabh Pant, with whom he has played cricket for many years.
While this series marks Gill's first major assignment as Test captain, he is not entirely new to leadership roles. In July 2024, he led India in a five-match T20I series against Zimbabwe, securing four wins and one loss. He also has experience captaining the Gujarat Titans in the IPL, where he led the team in 27 matches, achieving 14 wins and 13 losses. Additionally, he has captained in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and in List-A matches, demonstrating a diverse leadership background.
Despite his relatively young age, Gill has already achieved significant milestones in his cricketing career. As of May 2025, he is ranked as the number one batter in the ODI rankings. Gill has also set records in ODI cricket, becoming the fastest player to reach 2000 runs in 38 innings and 2500 runs in 50 innings.
However, challenges lie ahead for the young captain. While Gill's overall Test record is promising, with 1,893 runs in 32 matches at an average of 35.05, his performance in overseas conditions, particularly in SENA countries (South Africa, England, New Zealand, and Australia), has been less consistent. In 15 overseas Tests, he has scored 716 runs at an average of 27.54, with one century and two fifties. Specifically, in England, he has only managed 36 runs across one Test at an average of 18.
Former Indian opener Akash Chopra noted that Gill's Test average drops below 30 outside home, which is one of the lowest among Test captains who are specialist batters. Chopra views the decision to appoint Gill as Test captain as "an investment of faith," acknowledging his potential and promise.
Gill himself remains focused on his batting performance, aiming to be the best batter in the series against England. He has made it clear that he wants to approach his batting without the added pressure of captaincy, believing that his individual form will set the tone for the team.
India's squad includes experienced players such as Rishabh Pant, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and KL Rahul, who will play crucial roles in supporting Gill's leadership. The team will need to adapt to the new dynamics and strive for consistency, particularly in challenging overseas conditions.
As Shubman Gill steps onto the field as captain, all eyes will be on him to see how he navigates the pressures of leadership while maintaining his focus on scoring runs and leading the team to victory. The series against England will be a crucial test of his leadership abilities and a defining moment in shaping the future of Indian cricket.
