India has named Shubman Gill as their new test captain. This decision came on Saturday, ahead of the five-test series in England starting June 20. The selectors chose the young batter over pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, who has been India’s deputy test captain.
This change marks a fresh chapter for Indian cricket. Rohit Sharma, the previous test captain, quit the format earlier this month. Soon after, batting great Virat Kohli also stepped away from test cricket. The team is clearly in transition. Gill, only 25 years old, now leads the side into a new World Test Championship cycle.
Selector Ajit Agarkar explained why Jasprit Bumrah was passed over for the captaincy. “We think he is more important to us as a player. We want him fit,” Agarkar said at a press conference.
Bumrah, who is 31, has been Rohit Sharma’s deputy and captained India in two tests in Australia last year. But Agarkar believes the extra burden of captaincy could affect Bumrah’s bowling.
“There’s always that extra burden when you lead. It takes a lot out of you. We’d rather have him bowling as well as he does than carrying that extra load,” Agarkar said. The fast bowler understands this and is reportedly okay with the decision.
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Rishabh Pant has been named vice-captain for the test squad. Meanwhile, Kuldeep Yadav is the only specialist spinner selected. Fast bowlers Mohammed Shami missed out due to injury.
Other players like Sai Sudharsan and Karun Nair might make their test debuts in England.
The squad now looks set to face a tough England team with fresh leadership. Gill’s appointment is a bold move. But the selectors believe the young batter has the right mix of skill and experience to handle it. “Who wouldn’t want to captain India in test cricket?” Agarkar added with a smile.
In the end, the test captain role is more than just a title. It is a huge responsibility. But if Gill can bring the same calm and focus he shows on the pitch, Indian fans have plenty to look forward to in this new era.
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