The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has named 25-year-old Shubman Gill as the new captain of the Indian Test side, with 27-year-old wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant appointed as vice-captain.
The announcement came alongside the 18-member squad for the upcoming five-match series against England, slated to begin at Headingley on June 20.
Gill succeeds Virat Kohli, who retired from Test cricket earlier this month after a storied 14-year career. Known for his elegant strokeplay and maturity beyond his years, Gill will lead a relatively youthful Indian unit. Pant, fresh from leading India in limited-overs cricket, brings his aggressive style and match-winning instincts to the vice-captaincy role.
The selectors have backed several emerging players, with Rohit Sharma and Kohli’s departures leaving sizeable gaps. Tamil Nadu’s Sai Sudharsan earns his first Test call-up after a prolific Ranji Trophy season in which he amassed 304 runs at an average of 76.00, including a double century. Bengal veteran Abhimanyu Easwaran, with over 7,600 first-class runs, also returns to the squad after a productive domestic season.
Vidarbha’s Karun Nair, whose 303 not out remains the only triple century by an Indian in England, has fought his way back into contention following a strong Ranji campaign (863 runs at 53.93). Nitish Reddy and Yashasvi Jaiswal provide additional options for middle-order stability and aggressive starts, respectively, while KL Rahul offers experience at age 33.
Jasprit Bumrah retains the mantle of lead paceman, despite fitness concerns ruling out fellow veteran Mohammed Shami. Bumrah will be joined by Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Arshdeep Singh, Akash Deep, and Shardul Thakur in a pace battery expected to exploit English conditions. India’s spin department blends experience and youth, with Ravindra Jadeja offering left-arm variety alongside Kuldeep Yadav’s wrist spin and Washington Sundar’s off-breaks. Dhruv Jurel is the reserve wicketkeeper.
India’s last bilateral Test series in England ended in a memorable 4–1 victory in 2021. This summer’s tour marks the start of the 2025–27 ICC World Test Championship cycle. With a mix of fresh talent and seasoned campaigners, Gill’s side aims to continue India’s recent dominance in the overseas arena.
BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed that fitness concerns prevented Shami’s selection, while Jasprit Bumrah’s workload management will be monitored ahead of the first Test at Leeds. The full squad list is:
Batters & All-rounders:
Shubman Gill (c), Rishabh Pant (vc), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Karun Nair, Nitish Reddy, Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Dhruv Jurel
Pace Bowlers:
Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Arshdeep Singh, Akash Deep, Shardul Thakur
Spinners: Kuldeep Yadav
Selectors and the BCCI have expressed confidence that this refreshed squad, led by Gill and Pant, will uphold India’s new era in Test cricket as they seek to defend the World Test Championship mace and continue their overseas success.
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