Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, May 11: India is set to usher in a new era in Test cricket, with Shubman Gill poised to take over the captaincy and flamboyant wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant expected to be named vice-captain. The transition comes amidst major changes, including the retirement announcements of Rohit Sharma and potential Test exit of Virat Kohli.
Pant, widely regarded as one of India’s most impactful Test batters in overseas conditions, is the front-runner for the deputy’s role. His impressive record — averaging over 42 with centuries in Australia, England, and South Africa, along with seven scores in the nervous nineties — makes him a natural choice. With Jasprit Bumrah’s fitness concerns making him an unreliable option for a full series, the selectors are reluctant to offer him the vice-captaincy.
A BCCI insider told “If Bumrah isn’t the captain, then there is no point offering him vice-captaincy.”
The decision on leadership comes at a sensitive time, as the cricket fraternity grapples with reports of Virat Kohli considering Test retirement. Sources indicate that selectors briefly considered handing the captaincy to Kohli for the England series to give Gill more time to mature as a leader. However, no official word has come from Kohli yet, and the BCCI remains silent on internal discussions.
“Selectors did think about having Kohli lead in England, but at 25, Gill is ready to step in. Bumrah’s uncertainty with injuries tilted the decision in Gill’s favour,” said a source familiar with the selection committee’s deliberations.
KL Rahul, once seen as a leadership contender, is not in the reckoning due to inconsistent performances and age. Despite his solid outings in Australia, Rahul’s career average of under 35 across 50 Tests has counted against him.
The team for the five-match Test series in England is expected to be announced in the third week of May, while the India A squad will be revealed earlier. Among the younger names set to feature, Tamil Nadu’s Sai Sudharsan has emerged as a strong candidate. His recent form suggests he could either open the innings or slot in at No. 3, signaling a fresh start for India’s red-ball ambitions.
With experienced heads stepping aside and new names stepping up, the England tour promises to mark a pivotal moment in Indian Test cricket’s next chapter.