Shubman Gill Appointed India Test Captain ahead of England tour starting June 20. Rishabh Pant is vice-captain. Check full squad, fixtures, and key leadership insights.
With Rishabh Pant as vice-captain, Team India steps into a bold new era of red-ball cricket. A major turning point has arrived as Shubman Gill has been appointed India Test captain, replacing Rohit Sharma ahead of the five-match England Test series, beginning June 20, 2025, at Headingley, Leeds.
Shubman Gill: Youngest Torchbearer of a New Test Era
At just 25 years old, Shubman Gill becomes one of the youngest to lead India in Test cricket. The decision follows the retirement of veteran opener Rohit Sharma from the longest format earlier this month. With 1,893 runs, five Test centuries, and 32 matches under his belt, Gill now steps into the spotlight to lead India in one of the toughest away assignments in world cricket.
Selection Committee’s Strategic Vision for the Future
India’s Chief Selector Ajit Agarkar clarified on May 24 that Gill’s appointment is not a temporary fix. Instead, it reflects the selection committee’s long-term strategy.
“You don’t pick captains for one or two series. This is an investment in the future. Shubman has shown significant growth over the past two years. While England will be tough, we’re confident in his ability to lead,” Agarkar said.
Gill’s Leadership Journey Across Formats
Though this is his debut assignment in red-ball captaincy, Shubman Gill’s leadership résumé is already impressive:
- Led India in T20Is during the 2024 Zimbabwe tour
- Captain of Gujarat Titans in the Indian Premier League (IPL)
- Vice-captain in ODIs and T20Is, including the triumphant 2025 Champions Trophy campaign
This diverse experience positions Gill as a natural fit to lead the next generation.
Rishabh Pant Returns as Vice-Captain with Renewed Fire
Dynamic wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant has been named vice-captain. His return to Test cricket is not only symbolic but vital. Known for his counter-attacking style and now mature mindset, Pant’s presence will be key in guiding young talents and stabilizing the middle order.
A Revamped Indian Squad Blends Youth and Experience
The new-look squad reflects India’s changing guard, with some bold selections:
- Sai Sudharsan earns a well-deserved debut Test call-up
- Karun Nair returns after five years in the wilderness
- Abhimanyu Easwaran gets another shot after consistent domestic performance
This blend of promise and experience is aimed at building a Test team for the future.
Complete India Test Squad for England Tour 2025
- Shubman Gill (Captain)
- Rishabh Pant (Vice-Captain & Wicketkeeper)
- Yashasvi Jaiswal
- KL Rahul
- Sai Sudharsan
- Abhimanyu Easwaran
- Karun Nair
- Nitish Kumar Reddy
- Ravindra Jadeja
- Dhruv Jurel (WK)
- Washington Sundar
- Shardul Thakur
- Jasprit Bumrah
- Mohammed Siraj
- Prasidh Krishna
- Akash Deep
- Arshdeep Singh
- Kuldeep Yadav
India vs England 2025: Full Test Series Schedule
This high-stakes tour is part of the ICC World Test Championship 2025–27. Here’s the full match lineup:
- 1st Test – June 20–24: Headingley, Leeds
- 2nd Test – July 2–6: Edgbaston, Birmingham
- 3rd Test – July 10–14: Lord’s, London
- 4th Test – July 18–22: Old Trafford, Manchester
- 5th Test – July 26–30: The Oval, London
