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(BCCI) has announced Shubman Gill as the new captain of the Indian Test team. Wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant will be vice captain of team india. The announcement came after a high-level selection meeting held in Mumbai on Saturday, where the BCCI also revealed an 18-member squad for the much-anticipated five-match Test series in England starting June 20.
With senior players Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma retiring from Test cricket earlier this year, the team management has opted for a fresh approach, bringing in new talent alongside experienced names.
Gill Becomes Fifth-Youngest Indian to Lead in Tests at Age 25
At just 25 years and 258 days, Shubman Gill has become the fifth-youngest player to captain India in Test cricket. Only Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi (21 years), Sachin Tendulkar (23 years), Kapil Dev (24 years), and Ravi Shastri (25 years) were younger when they took charge.
Gill’s appointment marks a new chapter in Indian Test cricket, with selectors placing faith in his leadership and batting prowess. The Punjab-born cricketer has already showcased consistency and temperament in all formats, making him a fitting choice for the role.
Karun Nair Returns After 8 Years Following Stellar Domestic Season
One of the most surprising and heartwarming inclusions in the squad is that of middle-order batsman Karun Nair, who is making a comeback to the Test side after nearly eight years. The 33-year-old last played a Test match in 2017, but his outstanding performance in domestic cricket has earned him a well-deserved recall.
He also shone in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, amassing 779 runs in just eight innings with five centuries. His heroics led Vidarbha to a Ranji Trophy title and a runner-up finish in the Vijay Hazare Trophy.
Sai Sudharsan’s IPL Brilliance Secures Test Call-Up
Young left-handed batter Sai Sudharsan has also been included in the Test squad, thanks to his prolific performance in the IPL 2025 season. The 23-year-old emerged as the highest run-scorer in IPL-18, accumulating 638 runs and drawing attention with his technique and temperament under pressure.
Sudharsan had earlier been selected for India A’s match against England Lions and now gets a well-earned opportunity to prove his mettle in the longest format.
Shardul Thakur Rejoins as Injuries Sideline Key Players
All-rounder Shardul Thakur has been recalled to the squad, providing balance and depth in both bowling and lower-order batting. His inclusion comes amid ongoing injury concerns for other players. Devdutt Padikkal, who featured in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, is yet to regain full fitness.
Meanwhile, star pacer Mohammed Shami remains unavailable, which has opened doors for other fast bowlers.
Spin Options and Wicketkeepers Provide Depth and Variety
India’s spin department looks solid with Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, and Washington Sundar forming the core. Each brings a different dimension to the game—Jadeja with his all-round skills, Kuldeep with his wrist spin, and Sundar offering control and flexibility.
Young all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy, who impressed in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, also finds a place in the squad. Pant will take on the vice-captaincy and is expected to play a central role, Jurel provides a reliable backup.
India’s 18-Member Test Squad for England Tour
- Captain: Shubman Gill
- Vice-Captain: Rishabh Pant
- Batters: Shubman Gill, Sai Sudharsan, Karun Nair, Shreyas Iyer
- All-rounders: Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Shardul Thakur
- Fast Bowlers: Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Akash Deep, Arshdeep Singh
- Spinners: Kuldeep Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar
- Wicketkeepers: Rishabh Pant, Dhruv Jurel
England Tour Marks a Fresh Start for Indian Test Cricket
The five-Test series against England marks the beginning of a new era for Indian Test cricket. With the retirement of legendary figures like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, the team enters a transitional phase led by a young and dynamic captain. The combination of fresh talent and returning experience is set to make this tour both exciting and crucial for India’s future in the longest format of the game.
