Shubman Gill has been named India’s 37th Test captain, replacing Rohit Sharma. Backed by Eoin Morgan and Nasser Hussain, Gill leads a new-look Indian team on a challenging England tour. Questions remain over India’s batting depth and Gill’s overseas form ahead of the five-Test series starting June 20.
India’s cricket selectors have named Shubman Gill as the country’s 37th Test captain, with his leadership set to debut during a high-profile five-match Test series against England beginning June 20 at Headingley. The announcement was made by chief selector Ajit Agarkar on Saturday and marks a new chapter in Indian Test cricket following the retirement of stalwarts Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravichandran Ashwin.
Eoin Morgan, former England white-ball captain and Gill’s former teammate at Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL, expressed full confidence in the appointment. Speaking to Sky Sports Cricket during the England-Zimbabwe Test at Trent Bridge, Morgan said, “The captaincy decision from India is the right one. I played alongside Gill for two seasons at Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL, and he is a natural leader. He doesn’t mind questioning methodology.”
Morgan emphasized Gill’s leadership qualities and his willingness to challenge norms, describing him as an analytical and courageous thinker. Despite India’s new-look squad and relatively inexperienced leadership group, Morgan believes that the decision reflects a long-term vision.
In terms of team composition, the Test squad includes the return of Karun Nair, who hasn’t played red-ball cricket for India in eight years, and the debut call-up for young batting talent B Sai Sudharsan. The likely top order, according to Morgan, will feature Gill alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul. However, he was clear in stating that England will start as favourites due to home conditions and momentum under their current setup.
“This tour will be baptism by fire for India. England, with their home advantage and recent form, will be a serious challenge for this side,” Morgan added.
Former England captain Nasser Hussain also commented on the changes in the Indian side. Reflecting on the transition from the era of Kohli, Rohit, and Ashwin, Hussain acknowledged that although India still looks strong on paper, Gill’s overseas Test performance remains a question mark.
“Well, nine months ago, you’d have expected Kohli, Ashwin, and Rohit in the squad. Now, they’re all gone. Gill takes over, and while he’s captained well in the IPL, his Test record away from home needs improvement,” said Hussain. He added that Jasprit Bumrah, previously vice-captain, was not chosen possibly due to workload management and injury concerns.
Still, Hussain emphasized that Gill’s elevation is a vote of confidence in youth and long-term planning. “They feel Shubman Gill is that man — he’s a high-class player,” he said.
As India embarks on this fresh journey, all eyes will be on Gill, who becomes the fifth youngest captain in India’s Test history. The tour promises to be a significant test not just of leadership but of India’s bench strength in the red-ball format.
