Reports: Shubman Gill likely to lead India's Test team after Rohit Sharma's retirement

Young batter Shubman Gill is likely to take over the captaincy duties of the Indian Test team following Rohit Sharma’s retirement from the format. With the Indian squad for the five-match Test series against England set to be announced by the third week of May, sources have confirmed that Gill is the frontrunner to lead the side.

Rohit's announcement to exit from Test cricket has created an opening in leadership. While ace pacer Jasprit Bumrah served as vice-captain during the recent Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia and led in Rohit's absence, his injury concerns have ruled him out of contention for a permanent leadership role. 

"If Bumrah isn't the captain, then there is no point offering him vice-captaincy," a BCCI source told as quoted by NDTV.

Gill looks like the obvious choice for Ajit Agarkar's committee: Source

Just days after the sudden retirement news of Rohit, batting stalwart Virat Kohli has reportedly informed the board of his decision to retire from Test cricket as well. Although no official announcement has been made, the board has asked the 36-year-old to reconsider.

"It is true that selectors did think about having Kohli as India skipper for the England series. This would have given Gill some time to grow into a leadership role, but at 25-and-a-half years of age, he is yet to hit his peak. Due to Bumrah's fitness issues, Gill looks like the obvious choice for Ajit Agarkar's committee," a source said.

Looking at these factors, Shubman Gill’s promotion is just around the corner. Though he has never led in a Test or ODI, Gill captained India in five T20Is during the Zimbabwe tour in 2024 and has also led Gujarat Titans in the IPL. In 32 Tests, the right-handed batter has scored 1893 runs at an average of 35.05, including five centuries. On the other hand, Rishabh Pant is set to be named the new vice-captain. The five-Test series in England is scheduled to begin June 20 at Headingley and is also the start of India’s new World Test Championship cycle.