Former England captain Michael Vaughan has described India’s decision to appoint 25-year-old Shubman Gill as the Test captain for the upcoming five-match series against England as a “bold move,” especially in the wake of the recent retirements of red-ball stalwarts Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli.
Shubman Gill’s promotion comes at a crucial juncture as India enters the new World Test Championship (WTC) 2025–27 cycle, with the opening Test set to begin on June 20 at Headingley, Leeds. Taking over the reins of a side in transition, Gill will be joined by wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant, who has been named his deputy.
The batting responsibilities now largely rest on the shoulders of a young core comprising Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Pant, and KL Rahul. Vaughan believes this move signals a changing of the guard and could usher in a transformative era for Indian Test cricket.
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“Shubman Gill is now officially the new face of Indian Test cricket. To hand over the captaincy to someone so young, especially after losing legends like Rohit and Kohli, is a brave decision. But Gill has shown remarkable poise under pressure and the temperament needed for big occasions. He still needs to prove himself away from home, and England will be a stern test,” said Michael Vaughan, speaking as part of the Sony Sports Network’s commentary panel.
Vaughan added that the series could be a launchpad for India’s next generation. “With Rishabh Pant as vice-captain and a squad full of youthful energy, this could be the start of something really exciting. Don’t count these youngsters out.”
Echoing Vaughan’s thoughts, Indian legend Sunil Gavaskar expressed his own anticipation. “There’s always a buzz when India tours England. But this time, with a young leader and fresh faces, there’s an added layer of intrigue. Everyone’s watching to see how this team steps up.”
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Historically, India has won only three Test series on English soil—in 1971, 1986, and 2007. Interestingly, all three triumphs came under new or first-time captains: Ajit Wadekar, Kapil Dev, and Rahul Dravid respectively. With Gill now taking on the leadership mantle, Indian fans will be hoping history repeats itself, and a new era of dominance begins in English conditions.
