New Delhi [India], May 23: With Rohit Sharma stepping down from Test cricket, promising batter Shubman Gill is poised to become the new captain of the Indian Test team, sources revealed on Thursday. The change comes as India prepares for the start of the ICC World Test Championship 2025–27 cycle, beginning with the England tour from June 20.
Rohit Sharma, who retired after 67 Tests, scored 4,301 runs at an average of 40.57, including 12 centuries and a top score of 212. His departure has left a leadership vacuum that selectors are keen to fill with a younger, long-term option.
Shubman Gill, viewed as a future star and consistent performer in all formats, is expected to be entrusted with the responsibility of leading the team in whites. Meanwhile, Rishabh Pant—who recently returned to competitive cricket following a car accident—is likely to be named vice-captain.
Sources noted that Jasprit Bumrah was also in contention for the role, but injury concerns have prevented his consideration for full-time leadership. KL Rahul, despite his experience, is seen as a short-term option due to his age (33).
Separately, the India A squad for the England tour has been announced. Abhimanyu Easwaran will captain the side in two first-class games against the England Lions (May 30 at Canterbury and June 6 at Northampton), followed by a practice match vs Team India on June 13 at Beckenham.
Easwaran, a veteran of domestic cricket with 7,674 first-class runs, will be looking to bounce back after a disappointing tour of Australia, where he managed only 36 runs in four innings.
India A Squad:
Abhimanyu Easwaran (C), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Karun Nair, Dhruv Jurel (VC & WK), Nitish Kumar Reddy, Shardul Thakur, Ishan Kishan (WK), Manav Suthar, Tanush Kotian, Mukesh Kumar, Akash Deep, Harshit Rana, Anshul Kamboj, Khaleel Ahmed, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Sarfaraz Khan, Tushar Deshpande, Harsh Dubey.