.jpeg)
Gill appointed India Test captain, unfit Shami ruled out of England Tests
Public Lokpal
May 24, 2025
Gill appointed India Test captain, unfit Shami ruled out of England Tests
NEW DELHI: Shubman Gill has been named the new captain of India’s Test team, taking over the reins from Rohit Sharma, who recently announced his retirement from red-ball cricket. The 25-year-old will lead a restructured Indian side in the upcoming five-Test series against England, starting June 20 in Leeds.
Wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant, fresh off a successful comeback to international cricket, has been appointed as the vice-captain.
The squad, announced by chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar on Saturday afternoon, includes a mix of youth and experience, with some notable exclusions and surprising returns.
Among the biggest talking points is the omission of senior pacer Mohammed Shami. Agarkar confirmed that while the selection panel was keen to include Shami, the medical team declared him unfit.
The squad sees the return of middle-order batter Karun Nair, who last played a Test in 2017. Youngsters Sai Sudharsan and Nitish Kumar Reddy have also earned their maiden Test call-ups, highlighting the selectors' intent to rebuild the team for the long haul.
The selectors have named Dhruv Jurel as the second wicketkeeper, while all-rounders Washington Sundar and Shardul Thakur offer depth in both departments. Kuldeep Yadav will be the lone specialist spinner alongside Ravindra Jadeja.
Agarkar conceded that the void left by the Test retirement of premier cricketers Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma is tough to fill, but hoped that other players will step up during the upcoming tour of England.
Rohit was the first to announce to retirement from Test cricket on May 7, while his long-time teammate Kohli followed the suit on May 12.
The latest instance in that wobbling effort was the tour of Australia for the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
India’s squad for England Test series: Shubman Gill (captain), Rishabh Pant (vice-captain and wicketkeeper), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Karun Nair, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Ravindra Jadeja, Dhruv Jurel (wicketkeeper), Washington Sundar, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Akash Deep, Kuldeep Yadav.
PTI
