Shubman Gill Expected to Lead Test Team

MUMBAI: On May 24, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is anticipated to reveal India’s new Test captain, along with the squad for the forthcoming five-match series in England. Chief selector Ajit Agarkar is scheduled to address the press.

Beginning on June 20 in Leeds, the series signifies the commencement of India’s journey in the 2025–27 ICC World Test Championship (WTC) cycle.

This series also marks India’s first significant red-ball assignment following the retirements of seasoned opener Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli from Test cricket.

According to multiple reports, Shubman Gill is currently the leading candidate for the Test captaincy.

The 25-year-old has been viewed as a potential leader for some time, and selectors have been impressed by his steady play, poise under duress, and maturity.

While pace leader Jasprit Bumrah was considered, concerns about his injury record seemingly led selectors to seek a more sustainable leadership choice.

The BCCI has already announced an 18-member India A team for a two-match first-class series against England A, which will take place before the main series.

Abhimanyu Easwaran will captain the team, with Dhruv Jurel serving as vice-captain and wicketkeeper-batter.

India A Squad for England A:

Abhimanyu Easwaran (capt), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Karun Nair, Dhruv Jurel (vice-capt & 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 and Harsh Dubey.

Schedule for India’s tour of England 2025:
  • 1st Test: June 20–24 (Leeds)
  • 2nd Test: July 02–06 (Birmingham)
  • 3rd Test: July 10–14 (Lord’s)
  • 4th Test: July 23–27 (Manchester)
  • 5th Test: July 31–August 04 – (The Oval)