India’s newly-appointed Test captain Shubman Gill opened up concerning the alternative and known as it an enormous honour. Gill was appointed captain for the upcoming Test sequence in opposition to England with Rishabh Pant changing into his deputy. Gill, who has performed as an opener in addition to No. 3 for the Indian cricket staff within the format, will succeed Rohit because the India captain. Gill stated that it was his dream as a younger child to captain India in Tests sooner or later and added that it is going to be an enormous accountability for him.
“As a young kid, when anyone starts playing cricket, they want to play for India. Not just play for India, but play Test cricket for India for a very long time. To be able to get this opportunity is a great honour and like you said, it’s a big responsibility,” Gill said in a short video posted by the BCCI.
Earlier, Ajit Agarkar explained the reason behind Gill’s appointment as Test captain.
“We discussed every option that’s there, over the last year or so, we’ve looked at Shubman at various times. Taken a lot of feedback from the dressing room. Very young, but there’s been improvement.”
“We’re hopeful he is the man. He’s a terrific participant, our greatest needs to him. You do not decide captains for one tour or two excursions. We’ve seen some progress over the past yr or two with him. No doubt it’ll be as powerful because it will get,” said chief selector Ajit Agarkar on Gill’s elevation as captain.
Gill’s previous leadership experiences in the Indian team included a 4-1 T20I series win in Zimbabwe last year and the white-ball vice-captain of the 2025 Champions Trophy-winning side in Dubai.
Gill has played as an opener and number three batter for India in Tests, and he now takes up the leadership role after Rohit Sharma announced his retirement from the format earlier this month. In 32 Tests, Gill has scored 1893 runs at an average of 35.1, with five centuries and seven fifties against his name.
The 25-year-old is currently leading Gujarat Titans who are on top of the IPL 2025 points table and are set to feature in the playoffs. His GT teammates and coaching staff members have lauded Gill for his proactiveness, calmness and tactical nous.
In the squad, Karun Nair returns to the Test staff after seven years, whereas Arshdeep Singh and B Sai Sudharsan get their maiden Test call-ups.
There’s no place for veteran pacer Mohammed Shami, who Agarkar stated isn’t totally match to deal with the rigours of enjoying Test cricket.
(With IANS inputs)
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