Shubman Gill, on Saturday, was announced as India’s Test captain for the five-match series against England, making him the fifth-youngest Indian to lead the side in the format.
Gill is arguably India’s finest prospect across the three formats and has put a strong account of his flair for leadership with Gujarat Titans.
However, concerns that captaincy of the longest format has been thrust upon him too soon hold merit too. He has captained Punjab in First-Class cricket only five times and secured just one win.
The last time the Ben Stokes-led England welcomed India to its backyard, it overhauled 378 runs in the fourth innings – its highest successful chase in Tests. A first assignment against a side that epitomises a no-holds-barred approach, leading a team in transition and embarking upon a new World Test Championship cycle will be a baptism by fire for Gill.
WATCH: Agarkar confirms Bumrah to not play all matches, backs Gill as long-term captain
Firstly, the team will turn to Gill to fill the vacuum left in the wake of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s hasty exits. That in itself will be a task for a batter still finding his feet in the format. In 2024, Gill scored 866 runs in 22 innings at an average of 43. In the three years preceding that, Gill averaged less than 30.
Further, Gill’s success in Tests has largely come at home. He averages 25 in Tests away from home in 28 innings. His only hundred outside India came in Bangladesh in December 2022. In England, Gill has managed 88 runs in six innings.
There’s hardly any doubt about his batting credentials, but a sustained run in Tests, like he’s managed in the shorter formats, is still awaited.
Shubman Gill (left) will have Rishabh Pant as his deputy for the Test series against England.
| Photo Credit:
The Hindu/EMMANUAL YOGINI
Shubman Gill (left) will have Rishabh Pant as his deputy for the Test series against England.
| Photo Credit:
The Hindu/EMMANUAL YOGINI
Jasprit Bumrah captained India during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Rohit’s absence. He was also vice-captain for the home series against New Zealand and was the likely candidate to take over once Rohit left.
But the chairman of the men’s selection committee, Ajit Agarkar, said the management had marked Gill for the role for some time.
He added that Bumrah was not appointed captain since he would not play all five Tests. Concerns over Bumrah’s workload and ability to bowl extended spells over a five-match series arose after his back injury post the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
Gill’s appointment appears forward-looking but is laced with risk. His batting in whites stands at a critical juncture, especially overseas. A tough initiation as captain holds the risk of spiralling into a deeper crisis, the consequences of which can be grave for Gill’s Test career.