India is all set to enter a new era in Test cricket, with Shubman Gill expected to take over as captain for the upcoming tour of England. As per recent reports, the 25-year-old has emerged as the top choice to replace Rohit Sharma, despite some internal concerns within the BCCI about his sudden rise.
A long meeting with head coach Gautam Gambhir in Delhi is said to have sealed Gill’s leadership role. The official squad announcement is expected soon, and sources indicate there’s “little chance” of any change in the decision.
Bumrah’s Injury Ends His Test Captaincy Dream
Jasprit Bumrah was widely seen as the natural successor to Rohit Sharma, with support from cricket legends like Sunil Gavaskar, Anil Kumble, and R Ashwin. Bumrah even captained India to their only win in the recent Australia series, leading in Perth and stepping in again for the final Test in Sydney.
However, on January 4, during the Sydney Test, Bumrah suffered a back injury, forcing him out for nearly three months. His absence from key tournaments like the Champions Trophy and the start of IPL 2025 raised concerns over his fitness and ability to handle the additional burden of captaincy.
This led selectors to look for a more consistent option—and Shubman Gill, already a leader in the IPL and vice-captain in white-ball formats, emerged as the best fit.
Internal Resistance to Gill’s Appointment, But Gambhir Backs Hiz
According to a PTI report, Gill’s rapid rise to the leadership role has irritated some influential individuals in Indian cricket. Yet, his appointment seems nearly confirmed. Gautam Gambhir, who is believed to have a strong say in the decision-making, reportedly met with Gill in an extended discussion in Delhi, indicating full backing for the youngster.
The report also mentioned speculation about a possible late push for Bumrah, but the Gambhir-Gill meeting suggests the decision is final.
“It would be foolhardy to believe those powerful men weren’t taken into confidence before Gill was zeroed in as the next Test leader,” the report said.
India’s Next Chapter Begins
With legends like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Ravichandran Ashwin stepping away from Test cricket, India is preparing for a major transition. As the selectors finalize the squad for the England series, the focus will be on Shubman Gill to usher in this new era of leadership—with the blessing of coach Gambhir and, reportedly, the quiet nod of senior BCCI figures.
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