Shubman Gill Named India Captain for England Test Series, Rishabh Pant Appointed Vice-Captain and New Delhi, May 27 – In a major shift for Indian cricket, Shubman Gill has been appointed captain of the Indian Test team for the upcoming home series against England. Wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant has been named as his deputy, marking a new era in Indian cricket following the retirement of senior stalwarts Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma.
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The decision to hand over the reins to Gill comes amid much speculation around the leadership transition. According to multiple media reports, Jasprit Bumrah was initially in contention for the role. However, due to ongoing concerns regarding his fitness and workload, the selectors decided against assigning the pacer the captaincy.
Cricket: Selectors Prioritize Stability Over Star Power
Former India batter Manoj Tiwary weighed in on the decision during a discussion on Jeetbuzz. He suggested that Gill was not the selectors’ first choice, but rather a safe second option given Bumrah’s fitness uncertainty.
“He was the second-best option. But how can someone who doesn’t even consistently make it into the Playing XI be made captain? So I believe the logic was simple pick the most viable second choice, and that turned out to be Gill,” Tiwary explained.
Gill, known for his elegant stroke play and calm demeanor, has been a rising star in Indian cricket. Although still young, the 25-year-old has shown glimpses of leadership potential, both in domestic cricket and in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
Sehwag: Pant Was the Better Choice
Legendary Indian cricketer Virender Sehwag also shared his views on the leadership call. While he supported the decision not to burden Bumrah with captaincy duties, Sehwag disagreed with Tiwary on Gill’s place in the leadership hierarchy.
“In a short series, Bumrah could be considered, but long-term captaincy needs availability. Can he play 10 Test matches a year? That’s the question. It’s a big risk to give the captaincy to someone who may not be available consistently,” Sehwag said.
However, Sehwag made it clear that, in his opinion, Rishabh Pant would have been a better pick for the captaincy role than Gill.
“After Virat Kohli, if there is one player who has made people tune in to Test cricket, it’s Rishabh Pant. His impact has been unmatched. The only reason he wasn’t given the top role now is probably due to his recent return from injury,” Sehwag added.
Pant, who made a comeback after a long injury layoff following a serious car accident, is currently being groomed as a future leader. The selectors naming him vice-captain suggests a long-term vision, should he continue to regain full form and fitness.
Leadership Transition in Indian Cricket
With both Kohli and Sharma stepping away from Test cricket, the leadership vacuum was inevitable. The selectors appear to have taken a cautious but strategic approach in handing Gill the captaincy and grooming Pant as a successor.
Historically, bowlers have rarely been entrusted with the captaincy role in India. Sehwag cited Anil Kumble as one of the few exceptions, pointing out that Kumble’s deep understanding of the format and consistent selection made him a rare choice among bowlers.
“This isn’t about talent alone. It’s about availability, temperament, and consistency. That’s why Gill may not have been the first name, but he’s a logical pick under the current circumstances,” Sehwag concluded.
Looking Ahead
As India prepares to take on England in a high-stakes Test series, the spotlight will be firmly on Shubman Gill. With Pant by his side and Bumrah leading the pace attack, the new leadership group will aim to carry forward the legacy left behind by Kohli and Sharma.
Series begins next month, and all eyes will be on how the young captain handles the pressure and responsibilities that come with leading the Indian cricket team in the longest and most challenging format of the game.
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